Historic Presentations
To schedule a historic presentation for an organization or meeting, contact Gretchen Small at: (309) 743-2701 or gsmall@butterworthcenter.com.
Deere-Wiman House
Learn about the architecture of the house built in 1872 and the four generations of John Deere's descendants who lived there. Duration: 30 - 45 minutes, including questions.
Learn about the architecture of the house built in 1872 and the four generations of John Deere's descendants who lived there. Duration: 30 - 45 minutes, including questions.
Butterworth Center
The home, built in 1892, has undergone several changes over the years and has grown to three times its original size. Learn about William and Katherine Butterworth, the only couple to live in the house. Duration: 30-45 minutes, including questions.
The home, built in 1892, has undergone several changes over the years and has grown to three times its original size. Learn about William and Katherine Butterworth, the only couple to live in the house. Duration: 30-45 minutes, including questions.
Deere-Wiman House Swimming Pool
Learn about the unique indoor swimming pool that was built in 1917. The program includes photos taken when the building was constructed and photos taken over the years until its demolition in the late 1980s. Duration: 30-45 minutes, including questions
Learn about the unique indoor swimming pool that was built in 1917. The program includes photos taken when the building was constructed and photos taken over the years until its demolition in the late 1980s. Duration: 30-45 minutes, including questions
How to Date Your Photographs
Learn simple methods for determining the date of photographs from the 1800s and early 1900s. Duration: 30 - 45 minutes, including questions
Learn simple methods for determining the date of photographs from the 1800s and early 1900s. Duration: 30 - 45 minutes, including questions
Victorian Ladies' Clothing
Looks back at the wonderful era of women's clothing from the 1860s to 1910. Duration: 30- 45 minutes, including questions
Looks back at the wonderful era of women's clothing from the 1860s to 1910. Duration: 30- 45 minutes, including questions
Deere-Wiman Gardens
Learn about the Deere-Wiman grounds through historical photos and current photos of the beautiful gardens.
Learn about the Deere-Wiman grounds through historical photos and current photos of the beautiful gardens.
A Victorian Christmas
Learn about the Christmas traditions that began during the Victorian era. Duration: 30 - 45 minutes, including questions.
Learn about the Christmas traditions that began during the Victorian era. Duration: 30 - 45 minutes, including questions.
John Deere's Trip West
Follow John Deere's journey from Vermont to Illinois and learn why and how he settled in Moline, Illinois.
Follow John Deere's journey from Vermont to Illinois and learn why and how he settled in Moline, Illinois.
Tea Rooms
Look back at the history of Tea Rooms in the United States and here in the Quad Cities.
Houseboats on the Mississippi
The Deere family has had a long history of boating. Learn about the family’s houseboats that cruised up and down the Mississippi River in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Deere family has had a long history of boating. Learn about the family’s houseboats that cruised up and down the Mississippi River in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Mattie Poole: Moline Business Woman
Learn about entrepreneur Mattie Poole who demonstrated progressive marketing skills and considerable business acumen well ahead of her time. The Poole building she built on Moline’s 5th Avenue still stands today, evidence of the achievements of a woman in what was then a man’s world.
Learn about entrepreneur Mattie Poole who demonstrated progressive marketing skills and considerable business acumen well ahead of her time. The Poole building she built on Moline’s 5th Avenue still stands today, evidence of the achievements of a woman in what was then a man’s world.
Take a Trip on the Ferris Wheel
More than 120 years ago, planner of the Columbian Exposition – the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 – were desperate to find an attraction that would eclipse the Eiffel Tower. George Ferris, born in Galesburg, IL, gave that and more with his revolutionary Ferris Wheel. Here about his brilliant invention, one that endures today as the icon of fairs and carnivals everywhere.
More than 120 years ago, planner of the Columbian Exposition – the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 – were desperate to find an attraction that would eclipse the Eiffel Tower. George Ferris, born in Galesburg, IL, gave that and more with his revolutionary Ferris Wheel. Here about his brilliant invention, one that endures today as the icon of fairs and carnivals everywhere.
Under Construction
Learn about the structures built by Charles Deere, Charles Deere Wiman and William Butterworth. Their family homes and structures will show how these men strived for the best quality. They were willing to try new and innovative technology in and outside of the company.
Videos:
Uncommon Assets: the Life and Legacy of John Deere: Produced by WQPT Quad Cities Public Television, this 10-minute video traces the life of John Deere, from his roots in Vermont, to his move to Grand Detour, Ill., the birthplace of his self-scouring plow, to Moline, Ill., where he, his son Charles Deere and four successive generations of family members guided what would become a leading international manufacturer in the agriculture sector. The video also celebrates Deere’s “uncommon assets”: stately, historic homes that continue to play an important role in local cultural and community activities.
Hidden Treasures: Discovering Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House Through the Eyes of a Child : Also produced by WQPT Quad Cities Public Television, this 10-minute video takes a unique look at two relics of another time: Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House in Moline, Ill. Join two inquisitive tourists as they step back in time and discover secret passageways, a hidden safe and the history of a kind, generous and progressive family that preserved two remarkable estates for future generations. Suitable and entertaining for audiences of all ages.
Uncommon Assets: the Life and Legacy of John Deere: Produced by WQPT Quad Cities Public Television, this 10-minute video traces the life of John Deere, from his roots in Vermont, to his move to Grand Detour, Ill., the birthplace of his self-scouring plow, to Moline, Ill., where he, his son Charles Deere and four successive generations of family members guided what would become a leading international manufacturer in the agriculture sector. The video also celebrates Deere’s “uncommon assets”: stately, historic homes that continue to play an important role in local cultural and community activities.
Hidden Treasures: Discovering Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House Through the Eyes of a Child : Also produced by WQPT Quad Cities Public Television, this 10-minute video takes a unique look at two relics of another time: Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House in Moline, Ill. Join two inquisitive tourists as they step back in time and discover secret passageways, a hidden safe and the history of a kind, generous and progressive family that preserved two remarkable estates for future generations. Suitable and entertaining for audiences of all ages.