About The Graham House

The Graham Historic House is a unique attraction to residents and visitors who appreciate our community’s past preservation.

The City of Momence purchased this unique property, built-in 1869, in the summer of 1973. At the time, the house seemed destined to be demolished and the land to become a downtown parking lot. Members of the Momence Women’s Club approached then-Mayor Rex Rowe and the City Council with a proposal to preserve the house to create a small museum as a testament to its location and historical significance. By December of 1974, the Historical House renovations, were complete and a grand opening took place.

Unfortunately, over the years, house maintenance and repair needs fell from governmental priorities, as limited finances and budget constraints took precedence. In the late 1990’s, City Officials were faced with costs for a new roof, and discussion resurfaced on whether to raze, sell, or repair the home. Ultimately both public and private funding was acquired, and the house remains an important part of the city’s history.

The beautiful Italianate-style home, along with many other buildings in downtown Momence, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006, an accomplishment of Main Street Momence.

In 2013, the house was renamed the Graham Historic House in honor of the original builder and owner, William Graham. Also, in the late summer of 2013, fresh renovations to the exterior and interior of the house began. These restorations completed would not have been possible without the generous donations of the Van Drunen family.