Historic home of B.J. and Mabel Palmer
The Palmer Family Residence was home to B.J. and Mabel Palmer from 1912 until their deaths – Mabel in 1949 and B.J. in 1961. Their son, Dr. Dave, was raised in the house.
The Residence was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 because of the uniqueness of the porch, a showcase of Palmer collections. Although the house only holds a fraction of the collections once owned by the Palmers, it’s still a wonderful display of treasures they acquired during their world travels.
The Palmer Family Residence is open for tours by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Palmer Family Residence Located?
The address is 808 Brady St., Davenport, Iowa. Tours meet in the Residence Courtyard.
When are tours available?
Guided tours take place every Friday at 11:10 a.m. when classes are in session. Outside of this time, we schedule tours by appointment. Tours are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. We are closed for all tours during the month of December for annual maintenance.
During College celebrations such as Homecomings or graduations, additional tour times are available to accommodate more visitors.
Graduation tour times are from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday before graduation, as well as the day of graduation from 2-4 p.m. Reservations aren’t required for these special graduation tours.
Homecoming tours vary by year, so please check the Homecoming schedule (link). Due to the large number of visitors wishing to tour the Residence during Homecoming, reservations must be made by picking up a free ticket in the Residence courtyard during Homecoming.
How do I schedule a tour?
Tours are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. To schedule a tour, please call us at 563-884-5714. We request that you allow a 24-hour notice for all tours.
Who can visit the Palmer Family Residence?
The Residence is open to the public. Please note that there are steps leading into the home and one room that is down a small set of stairs. We do not have a ramp or wheelchair lift into the home at this time. Properly supervised children are welcome.
Is there a fee?
To help keep the residence open for tours, we request $5 per person. Current students receive a discounted rate. Renovations to the Residence are supported by donations.
What will I see on the tour?
Guided tours are approximately one hour in length and include the entire first floor of the Residence. Most of the rooms are set up how the Palmers had them while they lived here. Many artifacts are on display.
A group called the Friends of the Mansion helps in the preservation and conservation of the house and its grounds.
Bus tours
A tour of the Palmer Family Residence takes approximately one hour. Groups of 15 are started at 15-minute intervals. Those waiting may enjoy the Residence Courtyard in good weather, or Purgatory provides a sheltered waiting area. There are steps upon entering the house as well as the Solarium. Folding chairs are available throughout the Residence for a quick rest. There is a small gift shop.
The Residence is located at 808 Brady St. (corner of 8th and Brady streets). Tour groups may be dropped off in the loading dock area on the north side of 8th Street between Brady and Main streets. If Purgatory is open, you may use the stairs on the south side. If Purgatory is closed, go around to the Brady Street side of the house and through the gateway to the Courtyard.
If the driver remains with the bus, it may remain in the loading dock area. If not, the bus should be moved to Palmer College’s visitor parking lot.
A deposit is due two weeks after receipt of the contract (unless specified differently on the contract).
All monies will be refunded if the Palmer Foundation for Chiropractic History has been notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the tour date (unless specified differently on the contract).
The final count and final balance is due 30 days prior to the tour date. You may add during those 30 days, but there are no refunds after the 30-day period has started.
Checks or credit cards are accepted for deposit and final payment.
2024 prices:
- Admission: $5 per person
- Bus drivers and escorts (who receive complimentary tours) will not be counted in the totals.
Groups larger than 15 people, please inquire.
Contact Us
Tour Information
563-884-5714
Price: $5 per person
Roger Hynes
Contact Dr. Hynes with questions about the Osteological Collection or potential donations of chiropractic artifacts.
563-884-5855
Email: roger.hynes@palmer.edu
Julie Knaak
Contact Julie with questions regarding Residence tours, reference questions and related topics.
563-884-5714
Email: julie.knaak@palmer.edu
