Paul Laurence Dunbar House facts for kids
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Paul Laurence Dunbar House
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Paul Laurence Dunbar Home
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 219 Paul Laurence Dunbar Street, Dayton, Ohio |
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| Built | 1894 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000619 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 29, 1962 |
The Paul Laurence Dunbar House was the home of a famous American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. He lived here from 1904 until he passed away in 1906. This special house is in Dayton, Ohio. Today, it's a historic house museum, which means you can visit it to learn about Dunbar's life and work. The state of Ohio owns it, and it's also part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
History of the Dunbar House
Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in Dayton in 1872. His parents had been slaves before he was born. He started writing poems at a young age. His first poems were printed in the Dayton Herald newspaper in 1888.
His first book of poems, called Oak and Ivy, was published in Dayton in 1892. After working as an elevator operator in Dayton, Dunbar found success with his writing. He then took a job at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
In June 1904, Dunbar bought this house for his mother, Matilda Dunbar. It's an eight-room brick house on a quiet street. Paul moved into the house with his mother that same year.
Sadly, by the time he moved in, Dunbar was very sick with tuberculosis. He passed away in this home in February 1906. A black wreath was placed on the front door to show that someone had died.
After Paul's death, his mother Matilda continued to live in the house. She kept his books, writings, and study exactly as he had left them. She even held an open house every year on June 27th. This was the day her son was born. Matilda lived in the house until she passed away in 1934.
The House Today
The state of Ohio bought the house in 1936. That same year, it became the first state memorial dedicated to an African-American. This means it was recognized as an important place to remember an African-American person.
In 1962, the house was named a National Historic Landmark. This is a special title given to places that are very important to American history. In 1992, it became part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
Today, visitors can explore the house and learn about Paul Laurence Dunbar. There is also a visitors center in a nearby building. It has displays and items that belonged to Dunbar. The property also includes an old barn.
