Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Address:	203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA
Phone:	+1 410-462-1763
Site:	poeinbaltimore.org
Rating:	4.1
Working:	Closed Closed Closed 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Sarah Joyce

First things first, please remember that this is a historic building. Its very small-- for reference, Im just over 5 foot tall and very thin, and I fit perfectly in the stairways and rooms without having to duck. You may not be so lucky, but youll probably be alright if your group is small and you are very patient. Its also not fitted with central air, so when its hot out you may want to avoid going in. They have fans and such scattered throughout, and Im used to not having AC, so I was comfortable but another person there got a little ill, so be careful. Theres no dedicated parking as it is in a residential area, but you can find on-street parking pretty close with low rates (I seriously have never seen parking rates that low) and the meters accept cards. The place is small, as mentioned before, and so there isnt a lot to explore inside-- but the people inside are so knowledgeable that it almost doesnt matter. There are signs on the wall with very detailed information about the area, what it probably looked like when Poe lived there, and neat insights about Poe and his relatives. The gift shop is so sweet, and its definitely worth the time to visit if youre in the area or a big Poe fan. Best of all, Poes grave is nearby. Its pretty much walking distance, and its beautifully kept. Bring some pennies to leave at his tombstone, but be cautious when walking around because the graves arent all obvious. The details on many of the other stones, particularly some of the farther back ones, are extremely interesting. Also there are some things in the site that are kind of hidden-- tucked under buildings or obscured by bushes and the like. Definitely a good way to follow up a visit to the Poe House.

Joel Wasinger

First, fragile white folks, the neighborhood is fine. We didnt feel threatened or at all in danger. Good Lord, people, spend a few more minutes away from suburbia; it would do you good. The museum itself is great. Honestly, its mostly just a tiny house, but the volunteer staff are AMAZING. The tiny house itself, and the various artifacts and the quotes on the wall are cool. But the staff make it worth the trip. Theyre full of knowledge--including stories much less well known--about Poe and his family. As others have indicated, they also know a good bit about Baltimore and the surrounding area, and gave us some great tips for other sights to see and things to do. And theyre eager to take questions and make the experience personal. I highly recommend it. Buy some stuff in the little gift shop too, so that this work is supported and can continue. Theyve got a good collection of Poe-worthy (interesting and slightly odd) memorabilia.

J. R.

We visited this historic house on an unseasonably oppressive day. From our first steps over the weathered wooden threshold we could sense the emotion that is attached to this house. Criticisms from infirm and obese visitors, which the designer of this place never considered, quacked as out of place as babyfied remarks about "how serious" were contemporaries of the era while reading quotes on the wall. Yes, these people were serious, and should set a standard as independent, critical thinkers who didnt let others determine their fates, if they could help it. The stand out, even amongst the inspired, rustic carpentry, is the top floor. If you have any manner of working psyche, this place will reside like an old ghost in your memory as an example of a shelter well loved, and to this day, jealously guarded by those who drew inspiration within it.

Eric Bowman

Visited on Saturday, July 19,2014. I was not at all disappointed. Poe Baltimore has done a wonderful job in opening the house and museum. A member of Poe Baltimore was outside the building. It is located on Amity Street which is, by the way, a one way street coming out to meet Fayette Street. The neighborhood is not as bad as others make you believe it to be. There was parking right out in front of the house and like I said, a member of Poe Baltimore was waiting/monitoring the house, outside. We were greeted warmly by other Members inside. With a $5.00 charge for adults and free for children 12 and under, it was pretty awesome to be standing in a home in which Mr. Poe resided. Unfortuntely, I cant say the same for the Grave site. It was closed due to window replacement in the surrounding buildings.

R.E.D. X

Fascinating visit. We were amused that the serious nature exemplified by the writings posted created such consternation by viewers. We understand people of earlier eras realized the brief, dire nature of life, as do we. Then we were treated to the agonizing and complaining of morbidly obese individuals who couldnt fit into the stairwell. Without the rude visitations of contemporary tourists, this was a crisp illumination of life in the early nineteenth century. With the tourists it served as a reminder how soft, and childlike Americans have become. For those of you rugged enough to scale the narrow steep stairway, you may imagine yourself up there, writing to candlelight and wishing time could stand still.

Amy Vogel

This little house on the corner of a strip of row homes is believed to be the place where Edgar Allen Poe wrote "The Raven" in the little tiny and yes creepy second story room. It is a tiny house that is the only home that Edgar Allen Poe was known to have actually lived in unlike the other museums in VA and so forth. He lived here briefly with his Aunt for some time, and is to believed to be the place he was walking home when he was coming home from "The Horse You Came In On Saloon". It is an amazing place to visit if you are a Poe or horror fan! It does have stairs so if you have trouble going up steps it might be a little difficult for you but, if you can make it up to the top it is well worth it!

justin credible

I didnt get to go inside because it was closed on the Sunday I went. Im giving it 4 stars because even if I did go inside, the house is tiny. I cant imagine the place being more than a twenty minute tour. The neighborhood looks bad. I know a hood when I see a hood and this house is definitely located in the hood so lock your doors and beware of your surroundings. Its really cool to see where he lived and imagine yourself as being there during the years he was living here. I do recommend it, just warning you its not a nice neighborhood. I drove to this neighborhood. A friend told me many people who walk to this side of town get mugged or messed with.

A Private User

Never made it there. First try: Tried to walk there after visiting the Poe burial site. Quarter mile west of site, people disappeared, sign to house disappeared and neighborhood got uncomfortable and scary. Second try with husband: decided not to go since it would be dark walking back to hotel. Third try: rode bus to neighborhood, couldnt find street, asked cop to direct us. His reponse: "Do not go there. As a police officer, I am advising you to stay away from that neighbohood." Enough said. Rode bus back to hotel. Would have been nice to visit, but better safe than sorry.

A Private User

Drove by after visiting the B&O railroad museum. I have to agree that this house is in one of the scariest neighborhoods I have seen in a while - Section 8 housing everywhere. I was extremely uncomfortable even driving through the area and under no circumstances was inclined to stop and visit. The city of Baltimore needs to take more pride in its history and make some effort to increase accessibility and improve safety. I would not recommend going unless you are wearing a bulletproof vest (and riding in a bulletproof car).