EveryMuseum.com - The Heritage Museum of Kappa Kappa Gamma

Recognized as the finest example of Italianate style architecture in the city of Columbus, Ohio the international Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity is located at 530 East Town Street and houses the three rooms that constitute The Heritage Museum.

The current residential area was first plotted and subdivided in 1850 by John F. Bartlit. In 1852, Bartlit sold lot #2 to Philip T. Snowden. Snowden was a well-established dry goods merchant. His wife, Abigail, ran a millinery shop — a pioneer in her own right.

A sharply fluctuating economy coupled with severe financial reverses forced Snowden into bankruptcy. In 1860 the Snowden's home was sold at sheriff's sale to satisfy the collection of back taxes. The house was then acquired as the Columbus residence of Governor-elect David Tod. The Tods entertained royally while living in Columbus. One notable guest was then-Senator of Tennessee, Andrew Johnson, later Vice President and President after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. David Tod lost his bid for re-election in 1864.

In 1865, David S. Gray took up residence. His family occupied the house for more than 57 years, until 1922. After the death of David Gray, his heirs sold the property to the Columbus Women's Club which remodeled the house to suit its new role as the members' "club house." They added an addition, which connected the former stable at the rear of the property to the back of the former residence. This new space was the second largest auditorium in the city of Columbus at the time. It now serves as the Membership Services and Finance Departments for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Hallway

Typical of many homes of the period, the entryway of The Heritage Museum is decorative and elaborate. As was Victorian custom, the main entrance of the home was a place for display and delicate craftsmanship, giving the caller an initial glimpse into the wealth and style of the family.

Morning Room

Across the hall, the morning room has been decorated with marbled walls and opulent floral drapes. Telling the elaborate story of a woman's daily life in the household, the morning room was where one could find the age-old woman's touch.

Dining Room

The formal dining room was another room reserved for formal occasions. After a fire in 1872, David Gray included in the renovations, a family dining room for daily meals. Elaborate dinner parties and significant meals would have been reserved for a room of this opulence.

Grand Parlor

A Victorian family often reserved the grand parlor for their most extravagant entertaining and formal events. Ornamental in décor, fashionable and prized possessions were usually on display in the grand parlor.

The Great Depression took its toll on the financial stability of the Club. By 1941, the struggling group was forced to sell the property. During the 10 years before Kappa Kappa Gamma purchased the property in 1951, the once fashionable mansion housed a succession of businesses until it finally deteriorated into a poorly-kept rooming house.