“From childhood's hour I have not been. As others were, I have not seen. As others saw, I could not awaken. My heart to joy at the same tone. And all I loved, I loved alone.” — Edgar Allan Poe

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about the thought and care that has gone into the preservation and expansion of the Poe House & Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
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The History of Poe House and the Poe Homes

The Edgar Allan Poe House, today 203 N Amity Street, was originally part of a duplex built in 1830. 

In 1940, the Edgar Allan Poe Homes Housing Project was constructed as Baltimore’s first public housing project, one of the first five in the city built for Black families during segregation. The historic Poe House was cut in half at that time and the new project built onto it. For over 80 years, Poe House has existed within the footprint of this historic housing project. 

Today, the Poe House (a.k.a. The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum) is stewarded by Poe Baltimore Inc, a private, non-profit (501c3) organization. When the Housing Authority of Baltimore City announced redevelopment of the Poe Homes, it became critical for Poe Baltimore to preserve the historic Poe House and determine how the attached units physically connected to the landmark would be treated as part of the overall plan. The Poe Homes will be rebuilt and return as public housing. Because the space attached to Poe House cannot be demolished or restored for residential use, it presented a unique opportunity to create additional museum space that supports exhibits, programming, and visitor services while keeping the historic house intact. Poe Baltimore is working to raise the money for historical preservation and new construction of a visitor center and expanded museum.

Overview

Overview

Every effort is being made to preserve the Edgar Allan Poe House and keep the historic site exactly as it is while also allowing expansion. During schematic design officially approved in 2025 by Baltimore City’s Urban Design & Architecture Advisory Panel (UDAAP), Poe Baltimore coordinated with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the City of Baltimore, and the Maryland Historical Trust to ensure that preservation requirements were met and that the proposed museum expansion would support safe access for both residents and visitors. Careful consideration has guided Poe Baltimore in the project’s approach, capacity, and impact throughout the design phase.

As we transition from schematic design into the next stages of design and construction, Poe Baltimore will continue to move forward with the approved plan while securing the funding needed to implement Phase I. We recognize that timing will depend on both the project’s funding progress and the separate redevelopment schedule for the surrounding Poe Homes property.

For background on the broader neighborhood planning effort that informed redevelopment around the historic house, visit the Transform Poe website. Poe Baltimore participated in that process as a stakeholder to advocate for the preservation of the Poe House and to understand how changes to the surrounding site might affect the museum.

Will the Poe House be demolished or changed?

No. In fact, our foremost goal is to preserve Poe’s home in Baltimore while allowing for thoughtful expansion that protects its integrity.

Why was this expansion necessary?

The historic Poe House is extremely small—just 620 square feet—and cannot be altered without affecting its status as a protected historic site. The existing space cannot accommodate large groups or community programming indoors.

When the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) announced plans to redevelop the surrounding Poe Homes property, because the Poe House is physically attached to two units within the complex, Poe Baltimore and HABC began coordinating to ensure the historic building would be protected throughout any changes to the site.

This coordination created an opportunity to plan a thoughtful expansion that preserves the original house exactly as it is, while creating additional space nearby for exhibitions, programs, and community use. During this process, Poe Baltimore worked closely with HABC to understand what would be possible within the constraints of the larger site plan, while ensuring that our expansion would not encroach upon or impact the project planners’ required number of public-housing units.

How big is the plan, and how did you make this decision?

The site size was determined through consultation with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and the architects to balance community needs, preservation efforts, and available space. Schematic design of the building is complete, with 18,000-square-feet of adapted and new space, plus a literary garden, proposed for the museum,

The expanded museum will remain within a defined footprint that does not take away from public housing redevelopment.

Was community engagement part of this project plan?

Yes. In the beginning, when the Housing Authority first announced the project to redevelop/rebuild the Edgar Allan Poe Homes, Poe Baltimore attended these meetings as a stakeholder. Because the historic Poe House is physically connected to the Poe Homes complex, Poe Baltimore took part in community conversations related to the Transform Poe neighborhood planning process. We participated in Poppleton community meetings and Transform Poe sessions to advocate for the preservation of the Poe House and to understand how redevelopment around the historic site could affect access and safety.

As part of this engagement, we worked with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) and remained present at meetings during and after the Transform Poe planning report submitted to and approved by HUD. Our involvement focused on ensuring that the historic house remained protected and that the museum could continue serving both residents and visitors. As part of our engagement efforts, we invited HABC to participate in the 2nd Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards, where they gathered feedback from attendees and neighbors about their vision for the future of the museum. HABC included its findings in the final Transform Poe report later approved by HUD.

Community feedback remained an important consideration as planning progressed. To help guide our own planning, Poe Baltimore hired consultant Davin Hong, who had led aspects of the Transform Poe planning sessions, to assist in aligning the museum expansion with community priorities and future neighborhood amenities. Davin Hong later authored our 2021 feasibility study, drawing on his several years of experience working with residents, stakeholders, and community partners. As part of that study, he conducted interviews with neighborhood stakeholders and peer organizations to help the museum’s board understand community needs and synthesize those insights with Poe Baltimore’s goals for the expansion. Davin Hong now serves as the architect for this project.

During the schematic design process (2022 – 2025,) Poe Baltimore hired several engineers and planners who are also working with HABC on the broader Transform Poe project. This shared expertise helped ensure that restoration of the historic house and improvements to the surrounding site remained coordinated and compatible with the surrounding redevelopment in ways that benefit both visitors and residents.

In April 2025, ahead of our presentation to Baltimore City’s Urban Design & Architecture Advisory Panel (UDAAP), Poe Baltimore hosted a public meeting to share the schematic design for the museum expansion. Our architect presented the plans prior to submission to the City, and residents were invited to provide comments and ask questions. HABC shared the meeting invitation with its mailing list to help ensure broad community awareness, and Poe Baltimore also posted the information on our website and social media to encourage participation.

The schematic design for the museum expansion was officially approved by Baltimore City’s Urban Design & Architecture Advisory Panel (UDAAP) in 2025, allowing the project to move forward into the next stages of design. As we transition from planning to design and construction, Poe Baltimore will provide updates on progress while moving forward with the approved schematic design.

Who is the architect?

The lead architect for the project is Davin Hong of re:vital design (formerly Living Design Lab). Davin also helped develop the Transform Poe neighborhood plan, having spent years collaborating with community members to craft the plan presented to HUD. His several years’ experience working with community stakeholders and the housing authority, and his expertise in sustainable architecture, informs every aspect of the expansion.

Where can I find more information about the Transform Poe neighborhood plan?

The Transform Poe neighborhood plan is a public-facing document available through the Housing Authority of Baltimore City’s website. This plan initially outlined how the Edgar Allan Poe House could be preserved and expanded to best serve the community.

How does Poe Baltimore work with HABC?

Poe Baltimore is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that stewards and operates the historic Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. Because the Poe House is physically attached to the Poe Homes property, we coordinate with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) to ensure that preservation work, visitor access, and long-term planning are handled responsibly and with respect for residents.

HABC oversees the management and redevelopment of the Poe Homes site, while Poe Baltimore focuses on preserving and interpreting the historic house. These roles are complementary, but each organization maintains its own mission and decision-making.

How is the Poe House restoration and expansion project funded?

The project is supported through a combination of private and public funding sources, including:

  • Private donations
  • Foundation and nonprofit grants
  • Corporate support
  • Competitive state grants for preservation, energy efficiency, and cultural programming

Poe Baltimore is also seeking state bond support, a standard public-funding process used by many cultural and historic-preservation organizations across Maryland, as well as Federal grants. No bonds or Federal funding have been awarded at this time.

All funds for the restoration and expansion are raised and managed by Poe Baltimore independently. Poe Baltimore’s annual IRS Form 990 and nonprofit profile are publicly available through Candid (formerly GuideStar), consistent with standard nonprofit transparency practices. Questions about Poe Baltimore’s funding or financial reporting may be directed to Poe Baltimore, as the nonprofit responsible for raising and managing the project’s funds.

Expansion

Expansion

Poe Baltimore began planning the design phase of this project upon completing a feasibility study in 2021. Since then, we have worked closely with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and community stakeholders to align our plans with the larger redevelopment of the Poe Homes neighborhood.

How much will this project cost, and what are the sources of funds?

The total cost of the expansion is still to be determined, as construction costs and materials fluctuate. Poe Baltimore has raised over $365,000 through grants and corporate sponsorships for the design phase. A capital campaign for construction is scheduled to launch in Q3 of 2025 to secure funding for construction. Even before the capital campaign launches, continued support through donations to Poe House are essential to preserving Poe House and continuing this project.

Why is the site configured this way?

The site configuration was decided by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City based on the need to retain public housing while also allowing space for museum expansion. 

Poe Baltimore worked closely with architects and engineers to make the best possible use of the allocated footprint without interfering with the number of subsidized units required for the redevelopment.

What are the phases or components of the expansion?

  • Phase One – Renovation of Existing Units: This phase will involve the adaptive reuse of the attached units, preserving their original 1940s look while making them fully accessible. The expanded wing will house museum operations, exhibits, and museum gift shop, with the floor level adjusted for improved accessibility. A Poe Homes history exhibit will be a permanent part of the final design. 
  • Phase Two – New Museum Construction: A newly constructed museum addition will include an auditorium, gallery spaces, a courtyard, and a garden. The design is intentional about ensuring that the Poe House remains a distinct historical landmark, avoiding the creation of a false historical narrative.

More phases may be introduced depending on funding availability and community needs.

How will the expansion improve accessibility?

Although the historic Poe House (built in 1833) may not be ADA-accessible due to its original structure, the newly expanded museum will incorporate modern accessibility features to ensure inclusivity for all visitors: 

  • Ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways 
  • Sensory-friendly experiences 
  • An inclusive design approach aligning with modern museum principles. 
  • Alternatives such as virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and detailed replicas will be provided for visitors unable to physically access the historic house.

Vision

Vision

Our vision for this project reflects a careful balance between historical preservation and future-forward design, ensuring that Poe’s legacy continues to inspire and educate visitors. The design of the expanded museum is guided by the need to preserve the historic Poe House while creating functional, sustainable, and accessible spaces for visitors. 

Beyond a bigger size, what is your mission and goal for this project?

  • Maintain the distinct identity of the original Poe House, ensuring that any new additions do not create a false historical narrative.
  • Provide modern museum amenities while respecting the historical context of the Poe Homes and the broader community redevelopment.
  • Enhance visitor engagement by incorporating immersive experiences inspired by Poe’s literary works, rather than simply replicating Gothic aesthetics.
  • Maximize the available space efficiently, balancing museum expansion with community needs and the requirements of the Housing Authority’s redevelopment plan.
  • Ensuring that the museum serves a diverse audience with inclusive design principles that integrate sustainability and accessibility.

What kind of events and spaces will the expanded museum offer?

While the site will not be large enough to host academic conferences, it will support:

  • Literary events, theatrical performances, and film screenings
  • Writing workshops and smaller interactive programs
  • Community gatherings and historical exhibitions
  • The continuation and expansion of the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards

In addition, the expanded museum will include new indoor and outdoor spaces, including:

  • An auditorium for lectures, performances, and educational programs
  • A gallery space dedicated to Poe’s literary legacy and impact.
  • A courtyard and garden for outdoor events and community use
  • An exhibit on the history of the Poe Homes and their connection to the museum

How will this museum be different from other Poe museums in Richmond, Philadelphia, and the Bronx?

Baltimore is a uniquely important location in Poe’s biography—this is where he began his professional writing career at Amity Street. While there are other Poe sites on the East Coast, some within two to three hours of Baltimore, Poe Baltimore is developing an interpretive plan to set the museum apart by:

  • Augmenting and complementing existing Poe museums rather than duplicating their narratives
  • Giving unique ways for visitors to engage with Poe’s writing and legacy
  • Creating immersive experiences that explore his influence on modern storytelling.

Why doesn’t the Poe House expansion design look more historic or Gothic? Why is the design so modern?

The expansion design is intended to complement the historic Poe House while creating a functional and accessible space for exhibitions, events, and educational programming. The preference was to avoid making the Poe House look like a funhouse or haunted house while still drawing strong inspiration from Poe’s work.

Rather than relying on exaggerated Gothic elements, the design integrates subtle references to Poe’s literary themes throughout. Fans will find symbolic allusions to his stories in the architecture, but it is the programming, storytelling, and the people inside the museum that will bring it to life.

Advisory Council

A Cultural Center to Celebrate Poe's Legacy

As Poe Baltimore undertakes a transformative expansion of the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, we are forming an International Advisory Circle (IAC) to help shape our global vision. This honorary body of scholars, curators, writers, and cultural professionals will serve as thought partners and ambassadors for Poe’s legacy around the world.
Mission:
To provide insight, academic perspective, and cultural guidance as Poe Baltimore expands the museum’s reach and reinforces Edgar Allan Poe’s enduring global influence.
Advisory Circle Members May:
  • Provide informal feedback on interpretive themes and exhibitions
  • Suggest collaborations, fellowships, and scholarly partnerships
  • Participate in a yearly virtual roundtable to share ideas and connect across disciplines
  • Amplify Poe Baltimore’s work through institutional or academic networks
  • Serve as international advocates for the cultural significance of Poe and the city of Baltimore
Membership Is:
  • Honorary and non-governing
  • By invitation
  • Recognized annually on Poe Baltimore’s website and in print materials
  • A prestigious opportunity to contribute to a landmark American literary site
Ideal Members Include:
  • Scholars in literature, Gothic studies, and transatlantic Romanticism
  • Curators and museum professionals focused on literary heritage
  • Authors, translators, and artists inspired by Poe’s work
  • Cultural historians with connections to France, the U.K., or Revolutionary America
Why Now?
Poe Baltimore is preparing for the next phase of our museum’s life—a reimagined space that explores not just Poe’s biography, but his influence across continents and centuries. Your voice helps us do that with integrity, creativity, and global perspective.
Apply To Join

About this FAQ

About This FAQ
As planning continues for the restoration and expansion of the historic Edgar Allan Poe House, Poe Baltimore is committed to sharing updates and answering questions from visitors, residents, and partners. We will continue to update this page as the project progresses and as new questions arise.

Timeline of the Poe House & Museum

1830-1833

The house is built and Edgar Allan Poe resides here between 1833-1835.

1937

Edgar Allan Poe Homes project announced; house scheduled to be demolished.

1938

Poe Society of Baltimore convinces the Housing Authority to preserve the Poe House.

1939

 Historic Poe House cut in half; Poe Homes are built.

1940

Poe Homes completed; first families move into the housing project.

1949

Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum opened by the Poe Society of Baltimore.

1972

Edgar Allan Poe House established as a National Historic Landmark.

2013

Poe Baltimore Inc. nonprofit organization formed to steward the historic Poe House.

2017-2019

Transform Poe Choice Neighborhood study commences with plan to redevelop and rebuild the Poe Homes; community meetings conducted by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC); Poe Baltimore participates.

2019

HABC participates at the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival, soliciting community commentary on future plans at the historic site.

2020

Poe House established as Maryland’s first United for Libraries’ Literary Landmark.

2021

Poe Baltimore completes a feasibility study on planned expansion and new construction around the historic Poe House site.

re:vital design architect selected; Maryland Historic Trust/Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Capital Grant for Design Phase I.

2025

Poe Baltimore completes schematic design with re:vital design architects.

Planned demolition of the Edgar Allan Poe Homes.

In The News

Edgar Allan Poe museum plans expansion in West Baltimore

Baltimore Business Journal

Read the Story

To date, we have raised $345,000 for design and site planning through grants and donations. With your continued support, we can write a thrilling next chapter for the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum in Baltimore.

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