Boling-Gatewood House, African-American museum in Holly Springs, United States
The Boling-Gatewood House is a two-storey white wood cottage completed in 1858 at 220 Randolph Street North, designed by master builder Spiers Boling in the Greek Revival style. Its portico has five bays and octagonal columns. The house now holds the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum, presenting the contributions of African Americans in history, art and culture.
Built in 1858 by master builder Spires Boling, who designed it in the Greek Revival style, the house was later named for Ida B. Wells, born into slavery among Boling's nine slaves. It became the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum, and in 1983 it was listed on the National Register as a contributing property to the East Holly Springs Historic District; Mississippi Landmark status followed in 2000.
The museum is named for Ida B. Wells, who was born into slavery in 1862 as the eldest of eight children of James and Elizabeth Wells, both enslaved by builder Spires Boling. She took the name Barnett after marrying Ferdinand Lee Barnett on 27 June 1895. Displays cover the contributions of African Americans in history, art and culture.
The house stands at 220 Randolph Street North, just off U.S. Route 78 in Holly Springs. It is a contributing property to the East Holly Springs Historic District, so the surrounding blocks hold other listed buildings within walking distance.
The three memorial trees planted in July 2013 honour Ida B. Wells's grandsons: attorney Benjamin C. Duster III (1927–2011), architect Charles E. Duster, Sr. (1929–1991) and business executive Donald L. Duster (1932–2013).
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