The Fairfield County Museum is housed in an elegantly simple Federal style house. A three-story brick structure, the house retains its original heart pine floors and hand-carved woodwork. In 1852, artist George Ladd and his wife Catherine acquired the building to operate a girls' school. The school was forced to close by the War Between the States.

In 1969, the property was deeded to Fairfield County to be restored. Restoration was completed in 1974.

The main floor of the museum is maintained as an historic house with antique furnishings in period rooms. Other floors exhibit collections related to Fairfield County history. Museum collections include 19th century clothing and quilts, Victorian accessories, toys, Indian and military artifacts, tools, kitchen and sewing implements, banking and commerce displays.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30, Wednesday from 10:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10:30 to 3:00 p.m.