The Kell House Museum features distinctive architecture designed by the local firm of Jones and Orlopp, original family furnishings, textiles, decorative arts and historic costumes. Guided tours of this local landmark provide a fascinating history of this area’s early settlement and of the Kell family.
Built in 1909, Kell House Museum has been around for more than 100 years and provides students and the community with an example of the area’s historically and architecturally noteworthy buildings.
“I didn’t know what the Kell House was when I went, but after my family took a tour of it, I found out a little bit about Wichita Falls history,” Zimmeri Beatty, freshman in biology, said. “I have lived here all my life and had never heard of this place before, and to my surprise I really enjoyed it.”
But the Halloween season may give students a chance to visit the downtown mansion.
The Kell House will hold a Haunted Tour from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Oct. 27 with a free trick-or-treat on the front porch.
A member of the Kell family owned the museum until 1980 when the Wichita County Heritage Society purchased and maintained it. The house is 5,833 square feet, not including the attic and basement, and has 14 rooms. It has seven fireplaces, five downstairs and two upstairs.
“The Kell House is an important part of Wichita Falls history and it is something we as an organization are proud to keep it in good shape,” Nadine Mckown, assistant to the director of the Heritage Society, said.
The museum is going through a renovation to help restore it back to close to its original form.
The Heritage Society broke down rennovations into three different phases. In 2011, the first phase aimed to stabilize the foundation, the second is working on the outside appearance of the house and the third will be work that needs to be done on the inside.
“We believe that this renovation will take anywhere from three to five years — probably closer to five years,” Mckown said. “Each phase will cost around $1 million to complete, with the first phase done and costing $1.2 million to complete.”
The Heritage Society cannot just use its own money to complete the renovation, so officials ask local businesses to help contribute money.
“Tours are free but we do accept donations to help with the different phases and to help maintain everyday maintenance,” Mckown said.
