The Kirby-Hill House was built in 1902 by James L. Kirby, older brother and business partner of the more famous John Henry Kirby. The Kirby family established a lumber empire which dominated the economy of this region for almost 100 years.

The Kirby-Hill House Museum and Educational Foundation, established in 1992, has raised the money locally to purchase the property and restore the outside. Inside restoration is planned room-by-room, and funding will come from grants, donations, and admissions. The group also has a series of Murder Mystery Dinners, Lunch with Lucy on Fridays, and the Kirby-Hill Bed & Breakfast that raise funds.

The house features wrap-around porches with forty-eight columns, four fireplaces, and eight rooms that all open onto the porch through eight-foot, double-sash windows. The most outstanding architectural features include the curved walls and oval grand staircase. Much of the furniture and china is original to the house. The foundation also has many of the pictures, papers, and artifacts belonging to the family and dating back to 1832.

On the grounds to the right side of the mansion is a state champion Crepe Myrtle tree. Various flower, vegetable and herb gardens are kept lovingly by local volunteers. On the left side of the property is a relocated church building which will be the new home of the Hardin County Genealogical Society. Future plans also include a reproduction 1850 cottage and an activity building. The Kirby-Hill House is located in Kountze , Texas next door to the Kountze Public Library, and one block north of the Hardin County Courthouse.  CLICK HERE  for directions to the Kirby-Hill House Museum .