Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum

Three generations of Poores lived on the farm starting in 1832. John Calvin Kenneth Poore, the last of the family line, died in 1983 at 98 years old without leaving any offspring to inherit the property. He donated the land, buildings, and all of the contents to create the museum which is managed by the Poore Family Foundation established by him established in1979.

This place is amazing!The Poore Family saved everything. Many of the items were stored in trunks in the attic. Even though the roof leaked the trunks protected everything from water, sun, and insect damage so they are in pristine condition. The house has been shored up a bit (the floors are still wonky) and has a new roof but other than that everything is original. Beside the house there are two barns to explore.

 

Three volunteers were on duty the day that we visited and, as a teenager, one of them spent time with John Calvin Kenneth so we had an very informative guide. I think that the house is usually off limits and most of the rooms can only be seen by peeking into the windows but since we were the only visitors we were permitted to go inside.

Nothing is accessible. The ground is uneven with hills and thick grass. The porch has a step. The windows are too high to peek in. The barn ramps are steep.

The parking lot at the house is very small. There is a larger parking area .15 mile south where events are held. The only sign at the entrance is a No Trespassing notice so contact the foundation ahead of time for permission. The farm is opened Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - June through September. Museum  44.97365, -71.43777