The Kimball House Museum

Three generations of Kimball doctors served the city of Battle Creek for 83 years. When Dr. Arthur S. Kimball, Jr. died in 1966, the family decided to donate their home to the community to be preserved as a museum. The Junior League accepted the opportunity to return the house, built in 1886, to its original Victorian splendor. Members of the Historical Society of Battle Creek worked closely with the Junior League during the renovation project. Local historian Berenice Bryant Lowe was one of the leaders in the project, collecting many of the artifacts now displayed in the house.

Two years later, the League turned the administration of the historic house museum over to the Historical Society. For many years the Kimball House Guild maintained and staffed the museum for the Historical Society. Other community organizations and individuals made major contributions to the development of the Victorian house museum. A generous gift by Marguerite Roll, along with the efforts of members of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association, provided the landscaping and the kitchen herb garden. In addition to representing an upper middle class Victorian home, the Kimball House Museum contains several special collections.

The Sojourner Truth Exhibit Room contains one of the largest collection of images and artifacts about the nationally famous ex-slave abolition leader in the country, including her only known signature. The second-floor Battle Creek Sanitarium room features a miniature Palm Garden and a representation of a patient room at the health reform institution. The basement level displays include a recreation of a pioneer room and a mid-19th century general store display, which are favorites of school tour groups. Changing exhibits on Battle Creek history are also mounted in this area.

A variety of special programs are held in the house. Most of the Heritage Monday Night programs are held at Kimball House Museum. During the year a series of “Special Sundays” are designated to celebrate specific events or individuals. Throughout the year the historic house is alive with special family programs, including the Strawberry Festival in June, the “Ghosts and Goodies” family program at Halloween events, and the “Child’s Christmas Past,” when the house is resplendent in all its Victorian holiday finery.