Mathias Ham Historic Site

05/24/2026

We are excited to be recognized as one of this year's Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award honorees for recent work at the Mathias Ham House. This would not have been possible without supporters like the Jeffris Family Foundation, who provided a challenge grant met by our local community. Together with our project partners of Stickley Morton Architects, Gronen, and a team of expert contractors, we are honored to help preserve this icon. Stay tuned for news on its grand reopening as part of our July 4th celebrations!

The Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Awards are presented by the City of Dubuque's Historic Preservation Commission as part of Main Street Dubuque's Architecture Week.

05/18/2026

04/27/2026

03/16/2026

We’re eagerly awaiting restoration completion and looking forward to welcoming guests! We're on track to reopen to the public on the Fourth of July. Stay tuned for updates!

Restoration made possible by a Jeffris Family Foundation Challenge Grant.

12/08/2025

Ever wondered how to make sugar plums or how the Christmas tree became a holiday icon since the Victorian Era? Learn this festive history by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uItwQsW3l6M&t=153s

Please note that the Mathias Ham Historic Site is currently closed for the season and remains under restoration.

10/24/2025

The Dubuque County Historical Society has been awarded $25,000 in funding support from the DRA Core Grant Program. Funding will support the restoration of the Mathias Ham House, a National Register of Historic Places, including windows, doors, masonry, plaster, finishes, floors, decoratives, painting, and more. The project will result in the long-term preservation of this historic structure and city landmark.

Read more: https://www.rivermuseum.org/news/dubuque-county-historical-society-receives-dra-core-grant-mathias-ham-house-restoration

10/15/2025

Did you miss last Friday’s Haunting Around Lincoln Avenue? You’re in luck! Two more tours depart this Friday, October 17, at 5:00 and 6:30 PM.

Step aboard the Trolley of Dubuque for Haunting Around Lincoln Avenue—a guided ghost and history tour led by an educator from the Mathias Ham Historic Site.

We’ll travel from the Historic Site to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and back, uncovering eerie tales and Dubuque history along the way.

Tickets: $25 per person (children ages 2 & under ride free)

Don’t miss your last chance to experience this spirited adventure—register today at rivermuseum.org/events/haunting-around-lincoln-ave-0!

A big thank-you to the Trolleys of Dubuque for keeping this haunting rolling!

10/07/2025

Trolleys of Dubuque combines old-world charm with modern comfort, offering a safe and memorable way to transport groups to their destinations. From narrated historical tours to fully customized group experiences, Trolleys of Dubuque provides a one-of-a-kind way to explore Dubuque. They work directly with each client to design the perfect outing, creating lasting memories for all occasions.

Step aboard for Haunting Around Lincoln Avenue, a guided ghost and history tour led by an educator from the Mathias Ham Historic Site. On October 10 and 17, we’ll travel from the Mathias Ham Historic Site to the River Museum and back, stopping along the way to share stories and Dubuque history.

Tickets: $25 per person (ages 2 & under ride free)

Interested in renting a trolley for your special event? Visit: trolleysofdubuque.com

Don’t miss your chance to experience Haunting Around Lincoln Avenue- register today at rivermuseum.org/events

09/29/2025

Spooky stories, local history, and a ride you’ll never forget.

Due to the ongoing restoration at the Mathias Ham Historic Site, we’re taking Halloween on the road with the help of the Trolleys of Dubuque! Join us for
Haunting Around Lincoln Avenue, a guided tour led by a Mathias Ham Historic Site educator. There will be two evening tours on October 10 and 17 as we travel from the Mathias Ham Historic Site to the River Museum and back, pausing along the way to share ghost stories and Dubuque history.

Tickets: $25 per person (ages 2 & under FREE).

Register at https://www.rivermuseum.org/events

Big thanks to the Trolleys of Dubuque for keeping this
rolling!

09/20/2025

Step back in time at the Mathias Ham Historic Site homeschool day on October 9 from 10 AM to 2 PM and discover Dubuque’s past through hands-on activities, games, chores, and learn about lead mining. See how people lived, worked, and played. Drop in anytime, no registration needed!

Cost is $6 per youth and $7 per adult