The Herman B. Foster house was built in the Spring of 1893. A classic example of Folk Victorian architecture, the house was the residence of one of Gardner's early storekeepers, a partner in the Bigelow-Foster Mercantile Company. In 1902, H. B. Foster and his family moved to Colorado Springs due to his health. His last trip back to Gardner was in 1911, when he died, and was buried in the Gardner Cemetery.

The Gardner Historical Museum, Inc., was founded in 2002. One of the first actions of the organization was to purchase this historic Gardner residence that now houses the museum and research room. The museum also houses the Family Registry, a repository for area family histories, photographs and genealogical materials.