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Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), one of America’s most original writers, lived in this red-brick home with his wife, Virginia, and his mother-in-law, Maria Clemm, for about a year.
During that time, he penned The Black Cat, which describes a basement that is eerily similar to the one found here.
Visitors can tour the stark rooms and cellar of the three-story home, where Poe’s imagination ran seductively wild.
The building houses exhibits on Poe’s family and his literary contemporaries, and a theater shows an informative eight-minute film.
Although best known for his horror tales, Poe was also a poet and science fiction writer.
Administered by the National Park Service, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site was Poe’s residence in 1843.
Of his several Philadelphia homes, only this one survives. It serves as a tangible link to Poe at the height of his literary achievements.
Although best known for his Gothic horror tales like “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart”, Poe also created beautiful poetry, was a pioneering science fiction writer and is credited with inventing the modern detective story with Murders in the Rue Morgue.
While touring the house, visitors interact with exhibits that help bring Poe and his writing to life, including acting like one of his storied detectives to decipher a code and listening to audio recordings of famous voices reading his work.
Guests can explore the home on their own or join ranger-led tours that recount how Poe dealt with family poverty, Virginia’s grave illness and his own personal demons.
Although the house lacks furniture, possibly due to Poe selling it to finance his move to New York, the film, exhibits and tour make the trip very worthwhile.
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is open Friday through Sunday. Check the park’s website for the most current hours of operation.
Admission is free, and reservations are not required.
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The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia) and overnight hotel accommodations.
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