WELCOME TO
THE POE MUSEUM

Richmond, Va
Edgar Allen Poe Portrait - The Poe Museum's Collections

Who Is Edgar Allan Poe?

Edgar Poe was born on January 19th, 1809 to traveling actors Eliza and David Poe. When Edgar was a baby, David abandoned the family, leaving Eliza to support three young children. In a devastating turn, Eliza contracted tuberculosis and spent the last few months of her life in Richmond. She died on December 8th, 1811 at the age of 24, leaving behind her three children.  Two-year-old Edgar was taken in by Richmond couple John and Frances Allan. Edgar was never officially adopted, a cause and result of constant tensions between him and his foster father. He did not take their last name, but instead he became Edgar Allan Poe.

Our Collection

Our Events

  • Edge of Seventeen Birthday Bash

    Poe Museum's Enchanted Garden 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, United States

    On Saturday, January 17th, celebrate the 217th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe with an EDGE OF SEVENTEEN themed Birthday Bash at the Poe Museum.  Admission tickets for this event are […]

    $10 – $20
  • Know Your Poe: Poe and the “Peculiar Institution”

    Join the Poe Museum for our "Know Your Poe” series, an evening program hosted quarterly that explores Edgar Allan Poe’s life through various thematic lenses. This series offers Poe-enthusiasts across […]

    Free – $5
  • Friday 13th Valentine’s Celebration

    The Poe Museum 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, United States

    "We loved with a love that was more than love" Celebrate Friday the 13th with your valentine at the Poe Museum! Craft your own gothic valentine's card in our Poe […]

    Free
  • Know Your Poe: Poe and the Presidents

    Join the Poe Museum for our "Know Your Poe” series, an evening program hosted quarterly that explores Edgar Allan Poe’s life through various thematic lenses. This series offers Poe-enthusiasts across […]

    Free – $5
  • Know Your Poe: Poe and Illness

    Join the Poe Museum for our "Know Your Poe” series, an evening program hosted quarterly that explores Edgar Allan Poe’s life through various thematic lenses. This series offers Poe-enthusiasts across […]

    Free – $5
  • Know Your Poe: Eliza Poe and the Richmond Theater Fire

    Join the Poe Museum for our "Know Your Poe” series, an evening program hosted quarterly that explores Edgar Allan Poe’s life through various thematic lenses. This series offers Poe-enthusiasts across […]

    Free – $5

Our Blog

Poe and Frankenstein

Today marks the 208th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s seminal Gothic novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. For over two centuries, Frankenstein has captivated audiences, whether through the original novel or its many film adaptations. Recently, horror director

Read More »
Edgar Allen Poe Collections - Poe Photo Portrait - black and white

Poe/Krull Writing Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winner of the Poe Museum’s and Hotel Greene’s writing contest: Lee Blanton. Check our Lee’s submission below as well as the submissions from our runner ups! Winner:

Read More »

Add A Little Misery

Stay up to date with the Poe Museum.
Join our newsletter.