jubileeThe Poe House is a part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. It is a house built in 1897 and was owned by Josephine Montague Poe, hence the name. Josephine married Edgar Allan Poe, a local businessman with no relation to the famous writer. Now the house serves as a historically accurate representation of the early 20th century. Traditional museums are wonderful, but nothing can provide a glimpse into the past like walking through an incredibly preserved piece of it. 

In addition to showing a detailed version of everyday life in the early 20th century. the Poe House also explores other important themes of the time. The best way to experience this all is with one of the daily tours, which give an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of themes such as women’s roles, African-American history, children’s roles and important changes in technology and society. Tours are held Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. On Saturdays, there is a tour every hour on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Sundays also feature hourly tours from 1- 4 p.m. 

From Nov. 22 until Jan. 8, the 1897 Poe House will be decked out in historically accurate Victorian decorations. They will include a large tree in the parlor and long hallways adorned with holly sprigs.  Admission into a Victorian celebration of the Christmas spirit is free. Looking into the Christmas traditions of the past puts our own modern traditions into a new light. Some may be things that are still shared and some are different, but exploring the personal connections during such a special season is valuable. It can shed some light not only on the culture of the past but on today as well. 

The Poe House will also host a Holiday Jubilee on Dec. 4 from 1 - 5 p.m. This is an annual free event that brings the Victorian Christmas celebration to life. One of the most exciting parts of the event is the Coventry Carolers singing traditional music on the front porch that is decked out with traditional Christmas décor.  The Coventry Carolers will perform at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. In addition to lovely singing, there will be demonstrations like cooking on the 1902 stove. 

The 1897 Poe House is located at 206 Bradford Ave. For more information visit http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house. While visiting the Victorian house don’t forget the other incredible facilities that the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex has. The Museum of the Cape Fear and Arsenal Park can also provide insight into our colorful local history.