Nan Norcross & Gretchen Small: Co-Editors

any families have found joy by visiting beautiful places like ours where they knit their generations together while making lasting memories, especially around our important local history. Recently, 55 people found a little more joy because they donated a total of $10,400 to support our annual 19th Century Christmas event. Their gifts helped purchase books for Santa to hand out to young visitors, furnished craft materials to make take-home holiday decorations, gave talented Quad Cities youth musicians their first paycheck for performing, and bought 300 dozen cookies for more than 1,200 delighted visitors.

Although these donors were responding to a request made last winter to support our programming — and we are overjoyed with their generosity — we also want to thank those who’ve given in other ways. We so appreciate those who visit us for tours or events and then drop anonymous gifts into our donation boxes. And we also value the more than 240 community groups that meet in our facilities and later share their special services throughout our area.

Our wish is that every person who gives to Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House will experience the same joy we feel when we receive a gift of any kind to help us offer free programming and family events. And we trust that all of us will keep feeling the unique joy that comes year-round from giving back to our community.

Stacy Klingler,Executive Director

Spring/Summer 2020

M

The Gift of Social FrictionWhen we schedule a concert with an internationally known artist such as singer/songwriter Reggie Harris, we always anticipate a two-way return on the joy that performer will bring.

Recently, Harris performed at the Music at Butterworth Center series. Not just a talented vocalist, his music told a compelling life story, which no doubt collided with the life stories of many in his audience. But that collision of cultures and backgrounds created a collective joy in the concert hall from stretching

perspectives to imagine how life varies among diverse cultures in our country. Although cultural collision might bring social friction, it also births hope and social progress — exactly the gift Reggie Harris left his audience that day.

One of our goals always has been to treat audiences to joyful performers like ReggieHarris in the hope that we encourage

someone to take what they hear and see back to their families and other spheres of influence to inspire and educate them about other people and places on our collective earth. Our gift to the community of world-class programming multiplies every time a lifelong learner leaves a concert with enthusiasm about breaking down cultural walls that separate people.

And that’s what we consider two-way, joyous friction at its best.

You’re invited to experience the joy of attending the exciting schedule of programs we have planned for the coming months. See the next page for details.

The Joy of Giving Your TimeWe value people who give their time every bit as much as those who make monetary contributions. Without volunteers, our 11 acres of gardens and grounds could never be an oasis of trees and flora that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.

In 2019 alone, volunteers planted over 5,000 annuals, divided and replanted daffodils, and restored a pea gravel path around the bowling lawn at Butterworth Center.

Tri-City Garden Club volunteers planted beds of showstopping lisianthus in the Deere-Wiman House formal garden andcontinued to care for them throughoutthe growing season.

What we observe from our volunteers is how giving is a two-way street. Our small gardening staff, who are pressed to keep up with all the demands of a growing season, are so encouraged when volunteers lend a hand. But volunteers benefit too.

We watch them make new friends, laugh a lot, and share their gardening knowledge with each other— and thankfully with us. At the end of a work shift, they leave with a little dirt on their faces, but also with smiles of

satisfaction from donating time to maintain a community treasure — Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House.

We look forward to our volunteers returning to help us keep our grounds and gardens beautiful and blooming for all our visitors. Anytime during the year, however, if you’re interested in

donating your time and skills to our organization — and perhaps coming away with a few sore muscles but definitely a smile on your face — call 309-243-2700.

The Giving CycleWe’ve learned from years of experience that when we share our resources with the community, that’s only part of the giving story, just the first step in a larger cycle of joy that our visitors set off after they leave us.

Each year, our Community Relations Office reserves space for hundreds of organizations that champion all sorts of causes around our cities, from child abuse to preservation to education. The com-bined giving impact of these groups is inestimable in dollars, but the comments we often hear about lives changed from what they do make us thankful to play a supporting role in their work among Quad Citizens.

Although we could tell countless stories about the social impact of each organiza-tion, for now we feature one group that meets regularly at Butterworth Center. Genesis Hospice Grief Support, led by Genesis Grief Specialist RN Lisa Levy, meets weekly for caregivers and loved ones to help each other navigate the devastation of losing someone close.

Lisa shares touching accounts — always anonymously, of course — of how members tell their stories to help others

work through grief and back to hope for the future. As these members leave Butterworth Center after a meeting, we sometimes witness a noticeable change in their expressions and perhaps just a little more spring in their step.

And, our giving goes beyond hosting community groups. We also manage social interaction through Facebook and Instagram where we tell our story and share other groups’ stories by dually promoting their events. Our newest community engagement event, the Porch Party, invites organizations to assist with an activity or host a promotional booth. Look for the next Porch Party on Sunday, September 20th, noon to 4p.

What story of community giving could you add to ours?

Reggie Harris took time after his performance to connect with concert go-ers

Lisa Levy helps Grief Support members find hope after the loss of loved ones

ART TALKS AT BUTTERWORTH CENTER SERIES 3:00p, Butterworth Center Free and Open to the Public

The Art Talk Series introduces American Art in anticipation of the touring exhibit For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design, opening Spring 2021 at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport. Paintings from the National Academy of Design offer a unique history of American paintings from 1809 to the present. Carol Ehlers, Art Insights Volunteer for the Art institute of Chicago, will present a series, Introduction to American Art:

September 18 – 3:00p Introduction to American Impressionism and Giverny Connection

October 16 – 3:00p Childe Hassam, Master of American Impressionism and Cecelia Thaxter’s Garden

November 6 – 3:00p Frederick Carl Frieseke & Gardens of American Impressionism

PORCH PARTY Sunday, September 20 – Noon to 4:00p – Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House

Free and Open to the Public

Join us for the second annual Porch Party foran afternoon of fun activities at all four of our sites, including food trucks, a variety of musical performances, and much more. Look for more details to follow in the coming months.

Soak up the joy at our amazing line-up of 2020 programs!We have much to be thankful for at Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House. We work in amazing historic buildings and are rewarded daily with joy that comes from giving to those who attend our programs. From adults who tell us what a program has meant to them, to youngsters who leave us with a hug after attending camps and summer concerts, we feel special joy from giving to our visitors all year round.

June and July events are tentative depending on state guidelines. Check our website as the dates near.

Quad Cities Museum Week June 8-14

Free MUSIC ON THE LAWN CONCERTS at Deere-Wiman House Pre-concert activities start at 5:00p with old-fashioned games, a balloon artist, and a face painter. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner for munching (optional) to enjoy this family-friendly concert on the spacious Deere-Wiman House lawn.

June 12 Jeff Adamson Missing Movie Houses (or, Where Did My Childhood Go?) Free and Open to the Public Programs at 3:00p and 7:00p

Since creation of the moving picture, business has been thriving at movie theaters in the Quad Cities. Still, over the years, 65 movie theaters and 5 drive-in theaters have disappeared. Jeff will begin his presentation around 1910 with a visual smorgasbord of theaters you might remember — or have totally forgotten — as well as those that still exist but have been transformed into other businesses.

June 10 Amy LoweAmy Lowe is an award-winning singer, songwriter, storyteller and teaching artist. She connects with wonderful music that reaches people of all ages. Selections from Parents Choice award-winning CD’s such as I like Gum and Brighter than Fireflies encourage the audience to clap hands, stomp feet, and sing along to the jammin’ beat.

July 8 Jeanie B! and the Jelly BeansLifelong singer/songwriter Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans bring a fresh flair to children’s music. Made up of seasoned but fun-loving professionals, the group’s sound is a mixture of bluegrass, country, blues and enough rock ‘n roll to keep everyone’s fingers snapping. Jeanie B! delivers a party that coaxes audiences of all ages to their feet to dance and sing along.

The Garden Theatre in downtown Davenport opened September 22, 1915, closed on March 31, 1953, and reopened later for retail use

Amy Lowe

Jeanie B

The Valley of Arconville, c 1887 by Theodore Robinson

Kind Words of Appreciation from the CommunityWe have been meeting at Butterworth Center for more than 40 years and find that it is an environment that evokes appreciation for the talent and skill needed to build and maintain such beautiful surroundings that lends itself to the visual arts. Quad Cities Photography Club

We appreciate having access to such a beautiful and historic space for our annual Volunteer Appreciation gatherings. It is a wonderful place to thank our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. German American Heritage Center

I have had and attended many recitals in the Butterworth Center. Always enjoy watching students enjoy the beauty and history. Kay's Keys piano studio Kay Basham, teacher

…Butterworth Center is a community treasure the QC is lucky to have. Thanks for keeping it going for all of us. I appreciate what you do—and so do others! A Moline Elementary School Librarian

Thank you, Donors, for responding to our appeal to support the annual 19th Century Christmas EventLinda AndersonSusan & Scott AndersonArthur & Louann BodenbenderJames & Lois BorchardtWilliam BrewerHeather CalvertCarolyn CampbellChurchill Family FoundationPatty CourterMaureen DickinsonCharlotte Doehler-MorrisonDick & Geri DulaneyRae ElizabethCarol EhlersFinders KeepersGrace FisherPJ & Molly FoleyKyle & Sara GottKitty GrevasMary & Travis GuyJack & Sharee HoegerlMarie HoffmanAnn HolsenLisa A. HolstBill & Cathy HowardJeannine IngelsonBobby Jo IrishDelbert & Janice JacksonLowell N. Johnson Charitable FoundationStacy Klingler & Richard LynchCarole & Bob KlinglerBeth LagomarcinoCraig & Becky MackCarol MarquardsenKarin MartinSusan McPetersLinda MeadorsDon MichelMargaret MillsJoyce MinardMargarita MojicaLuis & Kim MorenoDougal & Pam NelsonRichard PotterBonnie PotterQuad City Audubon SocietyQCCF - G. Kent & Nancy M. Cornish Charitable Giving FundRock Island County IL Genealogical SocietyJohn F. SchmitzJim & Joni SchneiderWade & Brandy SchottMelita TunnicliffJeri VanderVinneJeff & Kim VandygriffBecky Whitaker

Looking to the FutureFriends, as we design this issue of Artifacts, it’s with an awareness that we’re living in historic, life-altering times. We will eventually awake to a new normal in our country and in the world that will leave us stronger and more united than ever, but it will take time to get there. Think back on your own memories of events and times that changed your personal world forever. A war, the assassination of a President, the 911 aftermath, or a painful family experience – all historical evidence that people are pretty resilient in the face of challenge and can move on with enthusiasm to the next chapter of life.

Although we regret that we’ve had to cancel or postpone some of our scheduled programming, please know that we’re already revising our lineup so we can offer an exciting schedule of events that you won’t want to miss this fall. As our plans become firm, we’ll keep you in the loop.

For the latest information about what’s happening at Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, please visit us on our website or on Facebook. From our entire board and staff...be safe, be healthy, be encouraged that we’re already looking forward to seeing you when our doors reopen to visitors.

Keep in Touch Find us at: www.facebook.com/ButterworthCenterAnd Deere-Wiman House and on Instagram @butterworthcenter. We will keep you posted on coming events at Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, as well as direct you to other venues of interest in the Quad Cities and links about local history.

You can also receive news of coming events by adding your e-mail address to our e-news list. Send contact information to gsmall@butterworthcenter.com to keep in the know.

Stacy KlinglerExecutive Director309-743-2700sklingler@butterworthcenter.com

Gretchen Frick SmallDirector of Programs309-743-2701gsmall@butterworthcenter.com

Jan StofferDirector of Operations309-743-2705jstoffer@butterworthcenter.com

Susan AndersonCommunity Relations Manager309-743-2708sanderson@butterworthcenter.com

Non-profit organizations may reserve free meeting space at Butterworth Center or Deere-Wiman House by calling 309-743-2700 or emailingmeetings@butterworthcenter.com

www.butterworthcenter.com

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Butterworth Center 1105-8th Street Moline, Illinois 61265Deere-Wiman House 817-11th Avenue Moline, Illinois 61265