The Oswald Nitschke House was constructed in 1880 as a farmhouse and occupied by Nitschke, a three-term mayor during the early years of Kenilworth's incorporation in 1907. The building’s evolution shows the changes and immigrant influences during development of the area.

The matching grant will help fund the first phase of work that will permit the society to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and begin to use the building. The historical society plan is to use the building as a living museum and cultural arts center.