Paul Laurence Dunbar House

The entrance to the home is on the side of the main house. Here you can get your passport stamps and purchase some souvenirs. The first level has a short show to watch and some information about the Dunbar’s. Don’t forget (like I did) to go up to the second floor for more cool stuff. There is a tour guided by one of the Pahrk Rangers. Maria gave the tour of the house as it is only available with a park ranger. She was very informative on Paul’s life in and outside the home. Paul was a school mate and friends with the Wright Brothers. The tour begins in the back where you will see a grape vine that was here when they were. The garage was there as well but it was used for just storage. It had a loft that Paul would go to when he didn’t want to be disturbed. When you enter the home, you are shown the parlor which was used for everything from parties to funerals. There is no real internal lighting as there is still gas being used in the home but they have hand lanterns if you need one. This was a bit of a modern home for its time as it had hot water. You will have some other early modern appliances throughout the home. You will see the rooms where Paul and his Mother slept. Take a look around as some of the items are also authentic for Paul or his Mother. If walls could talk, they would sing poetry and tell stories throughout. I could help the walls with stories but you will learn all that with this visit 😁

I highly recommend visiting Paul Laurence Dunbar House if you are in Dayton, Ohio. He was the first African American to have his home preserved as a National Historical park site. We are blessed to have the place where the great poet, writer, and presenter resided. To stand in the home of greatness is truly an honor. It felt exhilarating being in the midst of the very same place, Mr. Dunbar lived. My kids asked the tour guides so many questions. They surprised me by wanting to know more about Mr. Dunbar and his family. I will not spoil the moment for you, but I encourage you to visit. I saw his home when I was a kid, but it was not the same feeling I had as an adult. It came full circle. They are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10am-4pm. Make sure you give yourself an hour and a half to enjoy the full experience. Free admission!!