A number of 19th-century rural structures have been added to Burritt's mansion, both in the interest of historical preservation and life re-enactment.

There he became involved in managing farming, logging, and mining operations, and in rubber production, where he received 22 patents for his tire inventions.

[1] Burritt returned to Huntsville after his wife's death in 1934 and designed an eccentric mansion surrounded by 167 acres (68 ha) where he would farm and raise goats in his retirement.

In addition to eclectic decorative design, the house featured straw insulation, inspired by a visit on a hot day to a Missouri farm.

On June 6, 1936, the day Burritt moved into the mansion, it burned to the ground due to an electrical fire, exacerbated by the straw insulation and its protective metal panels.

The museum began purchasing rural log houses and barns that were in danger of demolition and relocating them to the grounds.

[3] The museum also features two buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Burritt Mansion, and the Joel Eddins House.

Many of the rooms have been converted into gallery space which host rotating exhibits, usually historical and cultural topics relating to North Alabama.