Paul Laurence Dunbar House, Dayton

The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is a historic site dedicated to preserving the legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the most prominent African American poets and writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The house was built in 1894 by Dunbar's mother, Matilda Dunbar, and her second husband, Joshua Levering. It served as the family home during Dunbar's formative years, where he began to develop his passion for writing and poetry.

Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872, and he grew up in this house. He is best known for his poems, short stories, and novels, many of which highlighted the struggles and experiences of African Americans in post-Civil War America. His works were celebrated for their use of African American dialects and their portrayal of the human condition.

The Paul Laurence Dunbar House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and is now part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The house has been meticulously restored to its original appearance, allowing visitors to experience the environment in which Dunbar lived and worked.

Visitors to the Paul Laurence Dunbar House can take guided tours that provide insights into Dunbar's life, his family, and the social and cultural context of the late 19th century. The house features exhibits with memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts related to Dunbar's life and literary career.