Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House

Welcome to Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, located in the Overlook District of Moline, Illinois. Both historic homes once belonged to John Deere’s descendants but are now operated by the William Butterworth Foundation. They serve as year-round sites for quality educational and cultural events, meeting space for not-for-profit organizations, and tours for local, national, and international visitors.

Please enjoy our virtual offerings on this website, on our YouTube Channel – Deere Family Homes (click here), on Facebook (click here), and on Instagram (click here). A new Curator's Pick video is added each month on YouTube.

If These Walls Could Talk
Charles and Mary Deere built their estate in 1872 and moved to the bluff the following year. Their home, known as “Overlook”, pushed the boundaries of modern living! With time, their estate, now known as Deere-Wiman House, was updated with technological and mechanical innovations. Equipped with elevators and ribbed cage showers, this home has been witness to innovations for over 150 years. From customized alterations to practical upgrades, these walls have seen it all.

If These Walls Could Talk provides participants with a unique, guided experience through corridors rarely open to the public with the director of operations & administration. During this specialty tour, she will spill the tea on everything from the boiler system to the wallpaper to the floorboard nails. Leave with a better idea of the estate’s utility modifications over time and how they reflect the life of a family of early adapters.

Participants will meet at Deere-Wiman Carriage House and should come prepared to walk up and down servant and family stairs and ramps. Bring your curiosity and wear comfortable shoes. At the end of the experience, you will be provided with the opportunity to ask questions and receive a sweet snack!
Deere-Wiman House
Cost is $25  per person and the group size will remain small; limited to 16 people. The goal of this tour will be to gain a better understanding of the home's utility modifications over time and how they reflect the life of a family of early adapters.

Registration:

11am-12:30pm

Sunday, November 9, 2025

2:30-4pm

Sunday, November 9, 2025
 Evenings at Butterworth free program by
Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Nobuntu, 
Thursday, November 13, at 6:30pm 
Butterworth Center Library, 1105 8th St, Moline, IL

Traditional and Contemporary Zimbabwean rooted music.                     For more information, visit 2025/2026 Visiting Artist Series Line-up

Parking is available in the lots to the north and east of 
Butterworth Center, and on the east side of 8th St.

Save the date for our annual open house - 19th Century Christmas

Sunday, December 7

 Save the date - Music at Butterworth

- Holiday music on piano

Thursday, December 18, 6:30pm

Register for Tours of Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House


  • Click here to register for FREE guided tours at 2:30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.




  • Click here to register for FREE guided tours at 2:30 pm on the 1st Sunday of every month and every Sunday in July and August.



Tours for groups of 10 are offered by appointment on weekdays.
 Contact:  info@butterworthcenter.com or 309-743-2701 

   Contact meetings@butterworthcenter.com for scheduling meetings or click here for online reservations

Weather related closings at Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House are posted on our social media sites.

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