Honoring Our History
WELCOME CENTER FOR ALL TOURS: ETHNIC HERITAGE MUSEUM 1129 S. Main St. - CORNER S. MAIN ST. AND LOOMIS
$7 Individual, $5 student or $15 Family. Members are free.
*Call (815) 962-7402 to pre register for group tours other days.
TOUR INFORMATION: Guided tours are available every Sunday from 2-4pm. Each ticket allows entrance into the six Ethnic Heritage Museum Gallery Exhibits, the historic Graham-Ginestra House, and the Heritage Museum Park! Parking is available at the Morgan and Main Street parking lot and on street near the Loomis Street flag entrance.
Private or additional group tours may be scheduled through the week by calling the museum at (815) 962-7402. School and Scouting groups welcome with pre-arranged scheduling by phone or emailing ehm1129@comcast.net. The Lockwood Gallery conference room is a great space to rent for luncheons, board meetings, special programs, workshop youth space, or private gatherings.
What you will experience:
Ethnic Heritage Museum and Welcome Center
Exhibits for each of the founding ethnic groups of Southwest Rockford:- African American
- Irish Gallery
- Italian Gallery
- Hispanic Gallery
- Lithuanian Gallery
- Polish Gallery
Graham-Ginestra House
Take a guided tour through this historic 1857 home. This beautiful landmark boasts of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. The interior of the house still exhibits amazing artifacts and charm. Freeman Graham (b.1806) of Scott-English heritage had the house constructed before moving his family here from Connecticut. Later, Leo Ginestra, a Sicilian immigrant, marveled at the beauty of the home and purchased it from the Graham family in 1927. Both families were involved in early Rockford history through their business empires and political enthusiasm. The interior of the house still exhibits amazing artifacts and charm.
Be sure to check out the Gift Shop, located inside the Welcome Center, for local treasures and gifts!
Would you like to learn more about how you can help the Ethnic Heritage Museum? Visit our Contribution section by clicking here! For questions or further information please contact us online at ehm1129@comcast.net.