Mathias Ham Historic Site

Mathias Ham Historic Site A property of the Dubuque County Historical Society, the Mathias Ham Historic Site tells the story of Dubuque's history. John F.

This stately country villa stands today as a living reflection of its wealthy builder, Mathias Ham. One of Dubuque’s earliest entrepreneurs, Ham build his estate in 1856 with money from his successful lead mining endeavors. Inside the home, elegant American and European furnishings exemplify the opulent Victorian lifestyle of a booming river town during the Antebellum period. Rague designed this d

istinctive example of the Italian Villa style of architecture. As architect for the Old State Capitols of Illinois and Iowa, Rague’s buildings were known for their monumental scale and elegance. Walk the grounds and discover Iowa’s oldest building, an 1833 settler’s log cabin, and visit an authentic one-room schoolhouse. Get a glimpse into life “At the Lead Mines”, stepping back to a time when Dubuque was at the center of a nationally significant lead mining phenomenon. People came from all over the country to mine lead. Living history demonstrators tell that dramatic story at the lead mine and “badger hole” (a lead miner’s dwelling) on the grounds of the Ham House.

Celebrate Independence Day at Mathias Ham Historic Site from 10 AM to 3 PM for the Audrey Hammer 4th of July Ice Cream ...
05/30/2026

Celebrate Independence Day at Mathias Ham Historic Site from 10 AM to 3 PM for the Audrey Hammer 4th of July Ice Cream Social!

Enjoy:
-Live music by The Americana Band
-Ice cream, cake, food & refreshments available for purchase
-Victorian games & crafts all day
-Live demos: spinning, laundry, cannon fire & more!

This event is also the grand reopening of the Mathias Ham House! The restoration is finished, and tours of the home are back!

Free-will donations will be accepted with proceeds benefitting the Mathias Ham Historic Site, a property of the Dubuque County Historical Society.

Bring the whole family for a fun, festive day!

We are excited to be recognized as one of this year's Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award honorees for recent work a...
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
We’re eagerly awaiting restoration completion and looking forward to welcoming guests! We're on track to reopen to the p...
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.

Ever wondered how to make sugar plums or how the Christmas tree became a holiday icon since the Victorian Era? Learn thi...
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.

The Dubuque County Historical Society has been awarded $25,000 in funding support from the DRA Core Grant Program. Fund...
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

Did you miss last Friday’s Haunting Around Lincoln Avenue? You’re in luck! Two more tours depart this Friday, October 17...
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!

Trolleys of Dubuque combines old-world charm with modern comfort, offering a safe and memorable way to transport groups ...
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

Address

2241 Lincoln Avenue
Dubuque, IA
52001

Opening Hours

Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+15635579545

Website

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