The Kirby-Hill House Museum and Educational Foundation is dedicated to Historical, Cultural and Artistic aspects of the southeast Texas area. It is our desire to promote the preservation of historic properties, provide educational programs, and to present cultural exhibits.

When the house was finally placed on the market, Nelda Overstreet of Kountze, Dorothy Griffin of Lumberton, and Helen Barefield of Silsbee, (all officers of the Hardin County Tourist Bureau) invited County Judge Tom Mayfield, Kountze Mayor Charles Bilal, Hardin County Arts & Educational Foundation founder Helen White, County Historical Commissioner Clyde See, and Sour Lake businessman Ken Pelt to a meeting on January 7, 1992.

The Kirby-Hill House Division of the Hardin County Arts and Educational Foundation was formed, negotiations began, many members were enlisted, and officers were elected.   By late January a contract was signed, the re-negotiated several times.   By April 3, the down payment was made, and by May of 1992 the keys were in the hands of the new public trust.

J. A. McKim III, Ruth Hooks Armour, Steve Eppes, Elaine Allums, Pam Williams, Rose Hall and Jackie Berry.

Nelda Overstreet is the curator emeritus.   She was medically retired from her position as curator and math teacher in Warren, TX. Her accomplishments also include being a published historical author and nature photographer. She resigned from active participation in the day-to-day operations of the Museum due to kidney cancer, and she died July 27, 2005.  Our prayers are with her family.  After losing Nelda to her illness, her sister Terry McNeely became President of the Board of Directors and Producer of the Murder Mustery Dinner Theater, until her death in June 2007.  Current President is Rose Hall, who is ably directing the operrations of the Museum and Educational Programs.

Southeast Texas Arts Council for the office building, Texian Days, and salary support; Foundation for Southeast Texas for roof, brickwork, electrical restoration and plumbling; Entergy & KISD for cirriculum development.

Admissions, donations, memberships, grants, fundraisers, sales and rentals

Kirby-Hill House Tourist Brochure (gray in color), Kirby-Hill House Mission Brochure (brown in color), Hardin County Tourist Bureau Brochure (green in color), Big Thicket National Preserve, Village Creek State Park.

Kirby-Hill Educational Experience, Kirby-Hill Bed & Breakfast, Lunch with Lucy, Historical Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, Christmas Dinner Party, Kirby-Hill House Supper Club, Cultural Events, Rentals and Sales.