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Homestead 1844 — museum 1927 to 1980, and again under the Settlers
Course: Thomas W. Swinney's 1844 homestead at 1424 West Jefferson Boulevard was the Historical Society's home for its first museum era: the society occupied the house from 1924 (the family's occupancy ended in 1922, when the last daughter's death brought the house and park to the city under Swinney's will) and opened its museum there in 1927, remaining until the 1980 move to Old City Hall. The house did not stay empty. Settlers, Inc. — a living-history organization founded in 1971 — leased the homestead from the city and took up residence, beginning a restoration and an education program in early American domestic arts that continues today; the lease is dated 1980 in the Settlers' own account and 1983 in a neighborhood history. The homestead, with its log house and herb garden, is open for walk-through tours and events, a house museum kept by volunteers in period dress.
Sources:
- Settlers, Inc. (settlersinc.org) — the homestead's history: society museum after 1922, the 1980 move, the Settlers' lease and restoration.
- National Register nomination, Thomas W. Swinney House — construction 1844–45, possession passing to the city in 1922, the Historical Society's museum use.
- West Central Neighborhood Association, 2001 Home and Garden Tour — Settlers, Inc. has leased the home since 1983.