Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site

The Paul Laurence Dunbar House was the 1904-1906 home of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton, Ohio. It is a historic house museum owned by the state of Ohio and operated by Dayton History on behalf of the Ohio Historical Society; it is also part of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.  Paul Laurence Dunbar (June 27, 1872 – February 9, 1906) was an American poet and author who was best known in his lifetime for his dialect work and his use of metaphor and rhetoric, often in a conversational style. In his short career he produced twelve books of poetry, four novels, four books of short stories, and wrote the lyrics to many popular songs. Dunbar became the first African American to support himself financially through his writing.

Dunbar purchased this house for his mother in 1904, and he lived there with her until his death from tuberculosis in 1906. In rapidly failing health, Dunbar continued to write, and he completed his last works in the house. The Dunbar House appears today much as it did at the time of the poet's death.  Explore Paul Laurence Dunbar's home, which still includes many original furnishings. Dunbar was the first African-American poet to gain international recognition. The house and interpretive center contain his original Remington typewriter, a bicycle - given to him by the Wright Brothers - and more pieces from the writer's life.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
The Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site is currently undergoing renovation through the Saving America's Treasures Project. During this time, tours of the Dunbar House will be unavailable. Updates will be provided as work progresses, and the house will be reopened as soon as possible. Please check back here for updates. 

For more information, please contact the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park at 937-345-0433.

LOCATION:
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402