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.
Special Programs
Architecture, Material Selection, and Community
Older buildings are essential for a community’s identity, aesthetics, and development. Property owners, historic preservation commissioners, and city planners often work together to maintain the integrity of historic structures and neighborhoods so that they meet the needs of modern society. But, what is historic preservation? How are restoration or rehabilitation decisions made? Where can compromises be made and who has the final say in what happens to a building?
Whether you own an historic property, are a commissioner or city staff member, developer, realtor, or just curious about old buildings, this educational series will provide participants with a deeper understanding about historic properties, the restoration process, and their importance in local communities.
Join us for a series of presentations and networking opportunities in 2026. Register for one or all sessions. Participants will experience the following:
- Quality training sessions for historic preservation commissioners and city staff so that they can serve as resources to preservationists and investors while striving to preserve the unique history of their communities.
- Lively conversations about what it means to live and work in historic structures for owners, potential investors, and realtors.
- An environment where participants can learn together and meet peers from other communities to exchange ideas and network.
- A welcoming educational opportunity for learners from all backgrounds interested in historic preservation.
All sessions are free of charge. Snacks are provided. To register, click here.
Dates & Topics
All sessions are held at: Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, Moline IL 61265
Session 1: Is this Original?: Tips for Investigating Historic Architecture 16 April from 4:00-6:00p
Are you an historic property owner or preservation enthusiast who wants to learn how to read a building? Learn how to identify architectural clues that can help establish a building’s original appearance, identify changes over time, and inform the restoration process.
Session 2: The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors 21 May from 4:00 - 6:00p
Should owners of historic properties be required to use only original materials when renovating their structures? Is it allowable and appropriate to use something else? Learn how using substitute materials provides more flexibility and cost effective options while still meeting the Standards for Rehabilitation.
Session 3: Defending the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 18 June from 4:00 - 6:00p
Gain the educational tools you need to teach others about historic preservation, including background information, messaging tips, and real life examples illustrating how NHPA and Section 106 protect historic and cultural heritage resources without hindering community development initiatives.
Session 4: Creating Community with Cheap Old Houses
16 July from 4:00 - 6:00p
Preservationists know the joys and challenges involved in restoring properties; but, did you know that these places also create stronger connections to neighborhoods and communities? Join us for a conversation about the wonder and fun found in the preservation process.
Movie on the Lawn
July 10th
Family Friendly Double Feature!
Free fun, with activities, book giveaways, and sing-a-longs.
Food for purchase!
Family History Camps!
Join Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House for a fun and educational evening and learn about the life of Abraham Lincoln!
Family History Camps are a hands-on experience where families can enjoy make-and-take crafts, like cloth doll-making, embroidery, and more; historic games; and activities that connect to Lincoln's life. This is a perfect way to learn about Abraham Lincoln's connections to the Quad Cities, spend time together as a family, and get ready for the start of the school year.
Registration is required and limited to eight (8) families at each session.
The cost is $70 for families of four (4) and $5 for each additional family member. One adult is required per family.
Choose from one of these days: Tuesday, July 21; Wednesday, July 22; or Thursday, July 23; all sessions at 5:30-7:30pm
Meet at 5:15pm at the Carriage House. Activities, games, and crafts start at 5:30pm.
The Carriage House is at 909 11th Ave, Moline. It's the yellow, former garage, southeast of Deere-Wiman House, on the corner of 11th Avenue and 10th St.
Parking is available in the lot on the south side of 11th Avenue, south of Deere-Wiman House.
Music On the Lawn
Birds of a Feather
Rock Together for Music on the Lawn at Deere-Wiman House on Wednesday, July 29th at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Birds of a Feather is an American indie superduo of family music luminaries: Filipina-American Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) of Chicago, and Brooklyn’s longtime family music pioneer, Suzi Shelton. They are beloved veterans of the family music space who bring a combined 30+ years of musical experience and their music videos have reached over 11 million views.
Birds of a Feather is an artistic model for how joyful it can look and sound when two musicians come together to harmonize, and end up taking flight in unexpected ways. They want young listeners and their respective caregivers to understand that having a friend around to keep you grounded will help you be brave.
Their tunes range from “Tough Cat” where meowing horn blasts and whimsical harmonies ignite bravery and strength; a guitar-driven title track “Birds of a Feather” featuring Suzi’s trademark “yeah”s; “Learning to Fly” a feel-good anthem that may just become this summer’s go-to campfire sing along.
Come flock together with us on the Deere-Wiman House (817 11th Avenue, Moline) lawn! Child care centers and day care providers are invited especially to the morning concert. To register for the 9:30 a.m. concert, contact
education@butterworthcenter.com.
The evening concert requires no reservations. It kicks off at 5 p.m. with a variety of family activities followed by the 6:30 p.m. concert. Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket, a picnic dinner and be ready to rock together with Birds of a Feather!
Special Tours
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.
Parking is available across the street, south of Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Ave, Moline.
This tour is $20 and is limited to 25 participants.
Registration links:
Evenings at Butterworth
Check back for future events