Paul Laurence Dunbar House

The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is an eight-room brick residence in Dayton that holds original furnishings and personal items from the writer's life. Inside, visitors find a typewriter, manuscripts, and books that document how he lived and worked.

Ohio purchased the property in 1936 and made it the first state memorial in the United States dedicated to an African-American individual. This action marked growing recognition of the contributions made by African-American artists to the nation's cultural history.

The residence reflects how one writer's work found readers and brought him recognition during his lifetime. Today, it shows visitors how an African-American author lived and worked within these walls.

The house is open to visitors on certain days of the week and can be explored through guided tours. It is best to check current visiting hours in advance, as these may change seasonally.

The writer's study has been kept exactly as it appeared during his final days. A notable detail is a bicycle given to him by the Wright Brothers, the inventors who also came from Dayton.

Location: Dayton

GPS coordinates: 39.75556,-84.21889

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44