Barlow House Museum facts for kids
The Barlow House Museum is a special old house in Barlow, Kentucky. It's located close to where the big Mississippi River and Ohio Rivers meet. This house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places! It's like a time capsule, showing us how people lived long ago.
The Barlow Family's Journey
In the spring of 1849, Thomas Jefferson Barlow and his wife left Georgetown, KY. They traveled to a wilder area called Ballard County, Kentucky. Mr. Barlow bought 400 acres of land for a very low price. This land later became the town of Barlow.
He first built a simple log cabin near the railroad depot. His son, Clifton Jesse Barlow, was born there on November 18, 1849. Clifton later worked as a tariff collector on the Mississippi River. This job involved collecting taxes on goods being moved.
Building a New Home
Clifton Barlow married Carrie Mae Miller. In 1903, they built the beautiful Victorian-style home you see today. This is the house that now holds the Barlow Family Museum. They raised their six children here: Vivian, Victor, Ruby, Conway, Norma, and Thomas.
A Museum Takes Shape
The house later went to the oldest son, Vivian Barlow. He used it as a summer home. Vivian taught piano at the Choate Rosemary Hall school in Connecticut. During his summers, he traveled all over the world.
Vivian collected many interesting items and artifacts from his travels. These special things now make up the museum's collection. They help tell the story of the family and the world.
A Historic Landmark
The Barlow House was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. Vivian Barlow wanted the house to be shared with everyone.
He left the house in his will to the US Bank Foundation. His wish was for it to be a public benefit for the people of Ballard County. Today, the house is run as a museum. It is open for people to visit and learn about its history.
