Alice Dunbar Nelson was an influential African American poet, author, and activist whose work addressed themes of race, gender, and social justice. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she emerged as a prominent voice of the Harlem Renaissance, publishing poetry, short stories, and essays that highlighted the struggles and resilience of Black women.
Dunbar Nelson was also deeply involved in social activism, advocating for civil rights and women’s suffrage throughout her life. She was married to the famous poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, and after his death, she continued to promote his work while forging her own literary path. Her legacy is celebrated for its contributions to American literature and its enduring impact on social movements.
This summer marks the 150th anniversary of Alice’s birth, and so the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site is proud to present two major events celebrating her life and achievements:
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Beyond Paul: Alice Dunbar Nelson’s Life and Legacy – an exhibit of Alice’s writings and her collected works in partnership with the University of Delaware from July 19 to September 28, 2025.
- “An Afternoon with Alice” – Alice’s legacy will be honored with a presentation by Ms. Karsyn Williams, featuring poetry and fascinating insights about Alice’s life. July 19 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This event marks the opening day of a new exhibit showcasing items from the Alice Dunbar Nelson collection, and it is made possible through a collaborative effort between the University of Delaware, the University of Dayton, the National Park Service, and the Paul Laurence Dunbar House. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the life and work of a remarkable figure in American history! This event is free and open to the public.
Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site
219 N Paul Laurence Dunbar St,
Dayton, OH 45402
219 N Paul Laurence Dunbar St,
Dayton, OH 45402
Open Friday – Sunday, from 10 am to 4pm Tours take place throughout the day and admission is free. Last tour of the day is at 3:30pm. You can start your visit at the visitor center entrance located on Edison Street (just around the corner from the Dunbar house) where you can view a movie and see artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the life of Dunbar
