Historic Kilbourntown House in Estabrook Park open for free tours

Posted: June 19, 2009

Kilbourntown House - Estabrook Drive just north of Capitol Drive - is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 to 5, and Sunday from 1 to 5, now through Aug. 30. Closed holidays.

Kilbourntown House was built in 1844 by Benjamin Church, a carpenter from New York. Church, his wife, and six children lived in the house, which was originally located in the section of Milwaukee known as Kilbourntown. An excellent example of Greek Revival architecture, the house was saved from destruction in 1938 when it was moved to Estabrook Park and restored as a WPA project. The home contains an outstanding collection of mid-nineteenth century furniture and decorative arts. A kitchen herb garden neighbors the home. The house is maintained jointly by the Milwaukee County Historical Society, the Milwaukee County Parks, and the Colonial Dames. Kilbourntown House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Milwaukee County Landmark.

Visit www.milwaukeehistory.net for more information on area historic houses.