The Poe Museum began over a century ago when an Edgar Allan Poe collector and researcher named James Howard Whitty and a group of literary enthusiasts met in Poe’s hometown of Richmond, Virginia to create the state’s first monument to a writer.
The Old Stone House is the oldest residential building that is still standing in Richmond, Virginia. It currently houses an exhibit about Poe’s childhood in the town.
The Poe Shrine has been open to the public since 1922. The Shrine itself was built of bricks and building materials from the office of the Southern Literary Messenger where Poe was employed and which was located just a few blocks from the museum. Inside the Shrine sits a “pallid bust” of Poe greeting visitors from all over the world.
The Enchanted Garden, where you can meet museum cats Edgar and Pluto has again been open to the public since 1922. Visitors notice shards of broken glass atop the garden walls. This early version of a security device can be found in Poe’s short story “William Wilson.” Towering above the back of the garden is a Hackberry tree which was planted in the 1920’s.
Where? 1914 E Main Street Richmond, VA
How Much? Adult: $10 Senior or Youth: (7-17) $7 Veteran or AAA Museum Admission: $7
