Paul Laurence Dunbar House

History

Dunbar had a long association with Dayton. He was born there in 1872, the son of former slaves, and his first poems were printed in the Dayton Herald in 1888. His first book, Oak and Ivy (1892) was published in Dayton by the United Brethren Publishing House as well.

After serving as an elevator operator in Dayton and meeting some success for his writings, Dunbar took a job in Washington, D.C., at the Library of Congress.

Dunbar purchased the home for his mother, Matilda Dunbar, in June 1904. The house is an eight-room brick structure on a quiet street. When Dunbar separated from his wife Alice Ruth Moore in 1902, he moved in as well.

By the time Dunbar moved into the house, he was very sick with tuberculosis. He also suffered from alcoholism. It was in this home that Dunbar died in 1906. His death that February was signified by a black wreath which hung on the front door of the home.

After Dunbar's death, his mother Matilda lived here for the remainder of her life and kept his books, manuscripts, and study as he left them. In 1932, it was reported that Matilda held an open house every year on June 27, the anniversary of her son's birth. She died February 24, 1934.

Modern history

The home was purchased by the state of Ohio in 1936; that same year it was dedicated as the first state memorial to an African-American. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and became part of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in 1992. It is a component of the National Aviation Heritage Area.

A visitors center includes displays memorabilia relating to Dunbar's life and work. The visitors center is housed in a neighboring building. The property includes an old barn.