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Graham-Ginestra House: A Rockford Landmark

Step back in time at the Graham-Ginestra House, a beautifully preserved landmark showcasing Rockford's rich history and architecture.

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The Graham-Ginestra House, built in 1857, is a historic home in Rockford, Illinois, showcasing Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. Once the residence of prominent businessmen Freeman Graham and Leo Ginestra, it now operates as a museum, offering a glimpse into Rockford's past.

A brief summary to Graham-Ginestra House

  • 1115 S Main St, Rockford, Illinois, 61101, US

Local tips

  • Tours of the Graham-Ginestra House begin at the Ethnic Heritage Museum next door.
  • Check the Heritage Museum Park's website or call ahead for information on special events or exhibits.
  • Parking is available in the lot at the corner of South Main and Morgan Streets.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Rockford, head south on S Main St for approximately 1 mile. The Graham-Ginestra House will be on your left at 1115 S Main St. Look for the historic building with a distinct facade.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Rockford, take the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) Bus #10 heading south. Board the bus at the nearest stop and ride for approximately 20 minutes. Get off at the stop near S Main St and W Jefferson St. From there, walk south on S Main St for about 5 minutes, and you will find the Graham-Ginestra House at 1115 S Main St on your left. A single ride on RMTD costs $1.75.

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Discover more about Graham-Ginestra House

The Graham-Ginestra House stands as a testament to Rockford's rich history, located at 1115 S Main St. Built in 1857, this architectural gem blends Greek Revival and Italianate styles, reflecting the prosperity of its original owner, Freeman Graham, Sr., a businessman who made his mark in Rockford with a sour mash whiskey distillery, a cotton mill, and management of a farm implements company. Graham, one of the city's first aldermen, chose the location to be midway between his businesses. In 1927, the house was sold to Leo Ginestra, a Sicilian immigrant who operated a mobile home park. The Ginestra family contributed to the city's vibrant Italian community. It was Leo's daughter, Therese Ginestra Schmeltzer, who ensured the home's preservation by establishing it as a museum and securing its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Today, the Graham-Ginestra House operates as a museum, showcasing artifacts and stories from both the Graham and Ginestra families. Visitors can explore the house's interior, admire its cherry and walnut free-floating staircase, stained glass windows, parquet floors, and hand-painted ceiling murals. The basement even retains remnants of Graham's distillery and the scents of Ginestra's winemaking. The Graham-Ginestra House is part of the Heritage Museum Park, in which tours begin at the Ethnic Heritage Museum.

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