“Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is a veritable treasure trove of Rockford History…” says the curator of the museum, Donna Langford. This is very much the truth.

Built in 1865, Tinker Cottage is a beautifully constructed cottage that rests on a picturesque limestone cliff overlooking Kent Creek. The cottage was built and owned by Robert H. Tinker, a Rockford founding park commissioner and businessman who was inspired by the breathtakingSwiss architecture during a trip to Europe in 1862. After the deaths of Tinker and his wife, the cottage was donated to the city of Rockford. Though many debated as to what should be done with the property, with the support of then Mayor C. Henry Bloom, citizens opened the building as a museum.

Visitors of any age are able to enjoy the museum’s year-round tours, exhibits, and programs. The interior of the cottage is just as beautiful as the exterior. It contains original artwork, belongings, and furnishings and, as Ms. Langford puts it, looks “as though the family never left.” After visiting the museum, many are inspired to donate to the renovation efforts, just to see the cottage and surrounding property look just as it did when first constructed. There are also internship and volunteer opportunities at Tinker Swiss Cottage, where those inspired by the building have the chance to share the museum’s rich history with others.

Jason Febery
Designer and Student Leader