The house was built by Benjamin Church, pioneer carpenter and master builder. It is an excellent example of temple-type Greek Revival architecture, popular in New York State at the time Mr. Church moved to Wisconsin. The name, Kilbourntown, comes from the pioneer community in which it was located west of the Milwaukee River. In 1938, the building had fallen into disrepair and was about to be demolished. Because of its unusual construction, use of hand-hewn posts, timbers of oak and elm, and an inner wall of brick dating back to 1844, it was opened to the public in 1972, furnished from private collections of outstanding mid-century furniture and decorative art. The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Wisconsin is responsible for this historical presentation.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES