The Mathias Ham Historic Site is celebrating Independence Day this year with its annual Audrey Hammer 4th of July Ice Cream Social from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at its location on Lincoln Ave. in Dubuque.
Named for long-time Ham Site tour guide in 2022, Hammer’s legacy lives on at an event she volunteered at annually. A former teacher, Hammer had a passion for education and service to community.
Attendees will enjoy live music by The Americana Band. Victorian games will be held in the yard for children including sack races, horseshoes, jacks, and more. Crafts will also take place as well throughout the day. Picnic foods, cakes, and ice cream will be available for purchase.
Free tours of the historic Ham House, the Humke One-Room School House, the replica lead mine, and the Arriandeaux Log Cabin will run from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., with live demonstrations and thunderous cannon fire adding to the experience of Independence Day. Dick McGrane with SuperHits 106.1 will also be onsite for a live radio broadcast.
Free-will donations will be accepted with all proceeds supporting a Challenge Grant Match from the Jeffris Family Foundation to restore and preserve the interior of the Mathias Ham House, a Dubuque County Historical Society Property.
Special thanks to sponsors Tracy & Fred Fischer and this year’s in-kind sponsor, Prairie Farms, for providing ice cream for this year’s event.
About the Mathias Ham Historic Site
The Mathias Ham Historic Site, operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic property includes the Mathias Ham House, Iowa’s oldest log cabin, the Humke Schoolhouse, and a historic granary. The Mathias Ham Historic Site is located at 2241 Lincoln Ave., Dubuque, Iowa. For more information on the Mathias Ham Historic Site, visit this page.