Recognized as the finest example of Italianate style architecture in the city of Columbus, Ohio the international Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity is located at 530 East Town Street and houses the three rooms that constitute The Heritage Museum.

The current residential area was first plotted and subdivided in 1850 by John F. Bartlit. In 1852, Bartlit sold lot #2 to Philip T. Snowden. Snowden was a well-established dry goods merchant. His wife, Abigail, ran a millinery shop — a pioneer in her own right.

A sharply fluctuating economy coupled with severe financial reverses forced Snowden into bankruptcy. In 1860 the Snowden's home was sold at sheriff's sale to satisfy the collection of back taxes. The house was then acquired as the Columbus residence of Governor-elect David Tod. The Tods entertained royally while living in Columbus. One notable guest was then-Senator of Tennessee, Andrew Johnson, later Vice President and President after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. David Tod lost his bid for re-election in 1864.

In 1865, David S. Gray took up residence. His family occupied the house for more than 57 years, until 1922. After the death of David Gray, his heirs sold the property to the Columbus Women's Club which remodeled the house to suit its new role as the members' "club house." They added an addition, which connected the former stable at the rear of the property to the back of the former residence. This new space was the second largest auditorium in the city of Columbus at the time. It now serves as the Membership Services and Finance Departments for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

The Great Depression took its toll on the financial stability of the Club. By 1941, the struggling group was forced to sell the property. During the 10 years before Kappa Kappa Gamma purchased the property in 1951, the once fashionable mansion housed a succession of businesses until it finally deteriorated into a poorly-kept rooming house.

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