It is owned and operated by the Historic Hillsborough Commission, Inc., a North Carolina 501 (c) (3).

In 1835, Reverend Robert Burwell, his wife, Margaret Anna Burwell, and his two oldest children, Mary and John Bott, moved into the home after the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church bought the property to serve as a parsonage.

Living with them was their slave Elizabeth Keckly (then Hobbes), who would as a free woman be known for her association with First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

[2] Two years later, James Webb approached Mrs. Burwell and asked her to educate his daughters.

After Reverend Burwell left his position with the church, he joined the school's teaching staff, which also included several graduates of the program.