Last updated: 11/15/2011
Dayton, Ohio
Street Address
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar StreetDayton, OH 45402
Mailing Address
c/o Dayton History1000 Carillon BoulevardDayton, OH 45409
phone: 937-313-2010
e-mail: aheckman@daytonhistory.org
web: www.daytonhistory.org

Hours

Friday - Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
Other days by appointment.

Admissions

Adults - $6.00
Children (ages 3-17) - $3.00
Children (ages 5 and under) - FREE
Military and Senior discount honoroed
Ohio Historical Society/Dayton History members - FREE

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Alex Heckman
phone: 937-293-2841
Description

This Italianate turn-of-the-century structure was the final home of the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. It exhibits his literary treasures, many of his personal items and his family's furnishings. During his short lifetime Dunbar became known as the poet laureate of African Americans. Drawing on his observations of society and the experience of his parents--both former slaves--he gave voice to the social dilemma of disenfranchised people of his day and became a proclaimer of black dignity.

Born in 1872, Dunbar was ill for most of his life. He died of tuberculosis in 1906. His mother, Matilda, lived on in the house and kept vigil over Paul's belongings until her death in 1934. On 23 July 1936, the Dunbar House became the first state memorial to honor an African American.

In 2002-2003 the site began a capital improvement project. Today, the Dunbar has been completely renovated and restored to furnishings and wallpapers common, and some instances exactly, of the time period when Paul and Matilda lived in the house. A new visitor center was also constructed on site, containing interpretive panels chronicling Dunbar's life.

Dayton History

Dayton History is Montgomery County’s official historical organization. Consisting of Carillon Historical Park, the Archive Center, Kettering-Moraine Museum, Hawthorn Hill and Patterson Homestead, Dayton History brings the past to life to understand the present and inspire the future by collecting, preserving, interpreting, presenting and promoting the region’s past.

Become a Volunteer for Dayton History!

Dayton History offers many exciting opportunities for volunteers, depending on your interests. Whatever your interest, whatever your passion, whatever your talent…Dayton History will provide the training necessary for volunteering. No experience is required!

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Services
Gift Shop
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

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2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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