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
You can visit the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day). Tours take place throughout the day and admission is free. The last tour is at 3:30 pm. You can start your visit at the visitor center entrance located on Edison Street (just around the corner from the Dunbar house) where you can view a movie and see artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the life of Dunbar. Visit the Directions page for detailed directions to the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site.
Adult and school groups are welcome. Please call the site in advance to make a reservation at 937-225-7705, ext. 224 or 937-224-7061.
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
DUNBAR150 CELEBRATION
The Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site and the National Park Service invites to participate in a year-long celebration of the life and career of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar. Help us celebrate his 150th birthday in 2022 & 2023 by visiting the home, taking a tour, checking the park out on social media, or joining us at one of the many special events.
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.
