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.

Please join us and Tami Finley as she presents
Monday, October 6, at 2 pm in the 
Butterworth Center Library, 1105 8th Street, Moline, IL.
The Art of the Apron takes a nostalgic look at the fashion and function   of aprons. With humor and bits of trivia added for good measure, this program provides a fashionable display      of different styles, fabrics, and designs, along with other associated items.

Guests are invited to bring their own aprons to share.
 Parking is available in the lots to the north and east of Butterworth Center, and on the east side of 8th St.
This event is FREE.

 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 20 participants.


Registration:


9-10:30am

Saturday, October 25, 2025

2:30-4pm

Sunday, October 26
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

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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