Events Throughout The Year
Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House hosts a variety of free family events throughout the year. A traditional 19th Century Christmas open house marks the start of the holiday season on the first Sunday afternoon of December. Other annual events, such as Evenings at Butterworth and Music on the Lawn, appeal to visitors from preschoolers to senior citizens.
Looking for exciting new perspectives? Check out Evenings at Butterworth for in-depth historical presentations in a unique environment. One of the Quad Cities' classic historic homes, Butterworth offers a special stage for programming you won't find anywhere else. Join us in the Butterworth library for presentations that are sure to delight!
The Ladies of the Houses
The Ladies of the Houses — Mary Deere, Katherine Butterworth, and Pattie Wiman — were raised during the Victorian Era when a woman’s place was with her family, community and church, but behind the scenes, they played an essential role in the growth and success of Deere & Company. As pioneers in the social life of the city, the business and beyond, they helped set the course for the good fortune to come. Visitors will get a glimpse of the private lives of these ladies —their pastimes, personal values, and prized possessions.
Ana Kehoe, who, as a young girl, knew Mrs. Wiman and visited her home, has several unique stories to tell. She will lead the group through both Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center for approximately 1 1/2 hours. There will be opportunities to sit during the tour but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
There is an exterior lift and interior elevator at both houses for those with mobility issues. Wheelchairs will not fit in the interior elevator; wheelchair users will be limited to the first floor of both houses.
Ana Kehoe, who, as a young girl, knew Mrs. Wiman and visited her home, has several unique stories to tell. She will lead the group through both Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center for approximately 1 1/2 hours. There will be opportunities to sit during the tour but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
There is an exterior lift and interior elevator at both houses for those with mobility issues. Wheelchairs will not fit in the interior elevator; wheelchair users will be limited to the first floor of both houses.
Parking is available across the street, south of
Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Ave, Moline.
This tour is $20 and is limited to 20 participants.
Registration:
9-10:30am
2:30-4pm
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!
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!
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
2:30-4pm
Evenings at Butterworth
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
Parking is available in the lots to the north and east of
Butterworth Center, and on the east side of 8th St.
Music At Butterworth
Save the date
- Holiday music on piano
Thursday, December 18, 6:30pm
Art Talks at Butterworth Center
19th Century Christmas
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12 - 4 pm
Each year during the 19th Century Christmas event, hundreds of visitors step back in time to experience the sights and sounds of an 1800s Christmas. Activities are located at Butterworth Center, Butterworth Education Center, Deere-Wiman House, and Deere-Wiman Carriage House.
- Beautiful decorations throughout both Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center
- Musical performances at Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House
- Children’s crafts in the Deere-Wiman Carriage House and Butterworth Education Center
Butterworth Center– 817 11th Avenue
– The 1872 home of Katherine Butterworth, granddaughter of John Deere.
- Cookies & Punch
- Film
- Live Music
Butterworth Education Center
-
817 11th Avenue
– The 1872 home of Katherine Butterworth, granddaughter of John Deere.
- Children’s Art Activities
- Self- Guided Tours of the former garage (built in 1910 and remodeled in 2009,) original squash court, and servants’ quarters, contrasted with the modern entry, meeting space, and projection room.
Deere-Wiman House – 817 11th Avenue
– The 1872 home of Charles Deere, son of John Deere.
- Self-guided tours of the original home
- Live music
Deere-Wiman Carriage House
– 817 11th Avenue
– just east of the Deere-Wiman House on the driveway
- Holiday Children’s Make-n-Take Crafts
- Hot Chocolate, Hot Spiced Cider and Cookies
The Rock Island County Historical Society
—822 11th Avenue is also open today 1:00—4:00p
- The Rock Island County Historical Society has traditionally been open as well.