Jefferson Memorial Foundation (Monticello), 1912, 1921-1956, undated

Records in the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation subseries document Kimball's varied and important architectural, curatorial and administrative contributions to the restoration and maintenance of Monticello, the former home of United States President Thomas Jefferson. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation was incorporated on April 13, 1923 as a non-profit institution dedicated to the purchase and subsequent restoration and maintenance of Monticello, its lawns and gardens. Soon after its organization, Kimball, in his official capacity as Chairman of the American Institute of Architects' Committee on Preservation of Historic Monuments and Scenic Beauties, wrote to the Chairman of the Board, Stuart G. Gibboney, expressing his support for the Foundation and its goal, and volunteering his services. Gibboney responded asking Kimball "to form a committee of the American Institute of Architects and head it as chairman and cooperate with the Foundation."

Following the Foundation's purchase of Monticello from Jefferson Monroe Levy in December 1923, Kimball served as Chairman of the Restoration Committee overseeing the restoration of the house and grounds, as well as the refurbishing of the home's interior. The endeavor, and Kimball's involvement with it, lasted over thirty years. Also during this time, Kimball served as a member of both the board of Directors and of Governors, and was involved with publicity and other administrative functions related to the operation of the house as a museum.

The records are comprised primarily of Kimball's correspondence, as well as architectural drawings, fabric samples, photographs, research notes, clippings, and ephemera. The bulk of the material postdates 1937, when the Foundation finally paid off the mortgage and began the restoration and furnishing of the home in earnest. A small amount of this material documents the involvement of Kimball's wife, Marie, who joined the Restoration Committee in the late 1940s and was later appointed Curator.