The Ethnic Heritage Museum Galleries and the Graham-Ginestra House will reopen for in-person guided tours on February 14th!
Reservations are Required!
Scheduling is flexible various days and times available each week. Please call our office at 815-962-7402 to schedule your tour. Or email us at ehm1129@comcast.net.
Face masks are required for all staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Stay tuned for upcoming virtual or in-person programs and events!
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | ||
| 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th |
| 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th |
| 20th | 21st | 22nd | 23rd | 24th |
Visit our Facebook to follow all of the videos and programs as they are released!
Due to the current status of COVID-19, we are currently closed for In-Person Tours and Events.
To help keep visitors and volunteers safe, we are limiting the number of registrations per tour. Tours are currently limited to 1 family per tour, or 2 individuals.
Embracing our cultures and community are important, especially now, so we have extended our guided tour availability to better fit your schedule. Call our office for availability at 815-962-7402! Or email us at ehm1129@comcast.net
All visitors must wear masks and practice social distancing while on the museum grounds. Hand sanitizer will be available for visitors to use.
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.
TOUR INFORMATION
Guided tours are available every Sunday from 2-4pm (must schedule in advance) and during the week (schedule varies). 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.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
During your tour of the six galleries, you will learn about the various ethnic galleries, the traditions and culture, as well as Rockford's early history.
Ethnic Heritage Museum
• 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!