Protected behind decorative white picket fencing in downtown Ann Arbor is the Kempf House Museum. Stop in this preserved historical attraction to see how a German-American family lived.
Gaze at four sturdy pillars on the elegant front of the 1850s Greek Revival home. Henry DeWitt Bennett, the first secretary and treasurer of the University of Michigan, occupied the house for many years. Starting in 1890, Reuben and Pauline Kempf lived here for more than 60 years, bringing music to light the lives of their children, friends and members of the growing Ann Arbor community.
Step inside to view the Kempf family’s 1877 Steinway concert grand piano in the music studio. Centered on this beautiful instrument, the Kempfs provided lessons in piano and voice to hundreds of students, some of whom went on to professional careers. They also entertained likeminded musical friends, helping to develop arts appreciation in Ann Arbor and create the city’s revered global cultural reputation.
Guides provide information about the preserved furnishings and family possessions. The museum is one of the first buildings saved from destruction by the Ann Arbor Historical Foundation and has received donations of valuable antiques from other local early German-American homes. Learn more about the development of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan from the helpful guides.
Stroll around the lawn and garden, which resembles its appearance during the Kempf occupancy. Pretty roses and other flowers line the foundation. A crabapple tree was planted to renew the garden. Before a stunning 100-year-old heritage saucer magnolia died several years ago, cuttings were taken for replanting.
Some of the best features of the Kempf House Museum are its frequent events, such as Victorian teas, music and history lectures and a German Family Christmas celebration. Check the website for scheduled events during your Ann Arbor visit.
Owned by the city of Ann Arbor, the Kempf House Museum has free admission, with open hours and tours on most Sunday afternoons. Walk west to the museum in about 10 minutes from the university or pay to park in a garage on a nearby street.
