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Explore
the life, times and creativity of a true pioneer in African-American
literature with a visit to the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial.
At this Italianate residence—the final home of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar—you'll see his literary treasures, many of his personal items, and his family
furnishings. And you'll gain a new appreciation for the man who became known
as the poet laureate of African-Americans.
Dunbar was born in Dayton on June 27, 1872. In grade school Dunbar was composing
poetry; in high school, his works were published in the student paper. His first
book of poems, Oak and Ivy, was published in 1892.
During his short life, Dunbar published 24 books. Drawing on his own observations
of society—and the stories of his parents who had been slaves—Dunbar gave
voice to the social dilemma of disenfranchised people and addressed issues of
equality and justice. He counted among his friends Frederick Douglass, Booker
T. Washington, and Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Dunbar was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1899. In 1902, he came to this home
to be with his mother Matilda, where he died in 1906. The home, operated by the
Ohio Historical Society, has been restored so you can experience the furnishings
and wallpapers of the era when the Dunbars lived in the house. Interpretative
displays also provide you with a richer appreciation of Paul Laurence Dunbar's
imagination, creativity and contributions to literature and to life. |
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Click on the map above for
details and an enlarged
map view.
For more information,
please visit:
www.ohiohistory.org
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