Dunham Tavern, located on Euclid Avenue between downtown Cleveland and University Circle, is the oldest building in Cleveland still on its original site. The clapboard structure, built in 1824, was an important stop along the stagecoach route between Buffalo and Detroit. Today, the museum houses period art and furnishings and hosts periodic temporary exhibits.

The House:

Dunham Tavern was the home of Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham, early settlers to the Western Reserve.

Seeing the benefit of their location along the stagecoach route, the Dunhams opened their house as a tavern. It remained a tavern until 1857.

The house became a studio for WPA artists and printmakers in the 1930s. It was this group that began restoring the house and, in 1941, opened it to the public.

The Garden:

The 900-foot Heritage Path behind the main house includes a variety of gardens and exhibits, which help to illustrate life in the Western Reserve during the early 19th century. Exhibits include information on early stagecoach, farming in the Western Reserve, Native Americans in Ohio, and native plant life and animal life.

The Barn:

The Barn at Dunham Tavern once housed up to fifteen horses as well as harvested crops and farm implements. It also sheltered the smaller animals during the harsh Western Reserve winters. Today, the barn, a slightly smaller replica of the original, is a conference, party, and education center.

Events:

The Dunham Tavern Museum hosts a number of special events throughout the year.

The museum is particularly noted for its annual Antiques Show, held off-site each November.

Visiting the Dunham Tavern Museum:

The Dunham Tavern is conveniently located halfway between downtown Cleveland and University Circle. The museum has limited onsite free parking available.

Hours and Admission:

Dunham Tavern is open between 1pm and 4pm each Wednesday and Sunday.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children.

Contact Information:

Dunham Tavern Museum
6709 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
216 431-1060
Official Website

^{(Last updated on 10-8-12)}