The architect was William Pratt Feth, a native of Leavenworth, who had just returned after several years of schooling at the Armour institute in Chicago and apprenticed work in Denver on the famed Dennis Sheedy Mansion.

The home underwent an extensive interior refurbishment in the early 1980s under the oversight of both William and Annett McCollum as well as Leah S. Waage.

Historical revivals, an anti-industrial return to nature, futurism, and Oriental exoticism all coexisted in the public imagination, and were often found in enthusiastic, if not startling, decorative combinations.

Additional notable interior features include the large stained glass window and fully functional curved radiator on the stairway, Oak, cherry, and bird's eye maple pocket doors, and the chandelier within the foyer.

There have been three subsequent families since then; Charles & Louise Moore, Robert & Audrey Wallis, and William & Annette McCollum, all prior to the current owners, Mr. and Mrs. Austin.

The famous “Keller Dog” that stands on the front lawn of the museum was donated by Rosamond Burt Taylor.

The Everhard Glass Plate Negative Collection, owned by the museum, includes numerous portraits of the Burt family.

Its original owner, Nathaniel H. Burt, moved to Leavenworth in 1875 and started working for the Great Western Stove Company.

[2] In October 1987, the Burt house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as the residence of one of the cities early & influential industrial families.