Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens

I received a tour this afternoon by Duncan who was extremely knowledgeable and generous to take over an hour to give me a tour of the place and answer all my questions. He was an expert on the house and has clearly put a lot of work into curating the museum. I really enjoyed learning about many objects and the home’s history-there are so many cool things to learn and artifacts to see over a 200-year history. The grounds are beautiful in the middle of a busting midtown neighborhood. I was told a tornado did some damage to the gutters/soffit that will soon be repaired!

My partner and I visited last Sunday and we didn’t know what to expect. Janice was our tour guide and gave us a very interesting tour. I highly recommend visiting.

I did not attend the museum; but instead, an evening weekend concert at the beautiful, huge separate Dunham Tavern Museum BARN bldg. on the property. It was the perfect venue (sight, sound, lighting) for the intimate concert season opener by LES DELICES, Cleveland's own classical Baroque ensemble. As I sat there listening, I imagined what a special, unique & perfect venue it must be for other type private functions, including weddings, family & class reunions, corporate events, etc.. I will surely be spreading the word to others.

The barn in the back is a hidden wedding venue treasure and it's located just outside of downtown Cleveland. Absolutely stunning inside, has outdoor space avaialble that can be tented.

Dunham Tavern is the "oldest building in Cleveland in that is at it's original location". The museum today is a collection of period artifacts that give you a sense of what daily life for 1836 tavern-keepers might have been like. See wooden boot-pullers, pewter dishware (contains lead!), tin coffee roasting machines, lead-lined tea boxes, rough kitchen tables, a wooden bar in the taproom, a musket and the wall, and (my favorite part) maps and engravings of the Cleveland-of-the-past.

There are only three things in the museum that were owned by the Dunhams themselves (needlepoints made by their daughters and a dresser) and several period artifacts that were not likely used by the Dunhams (flax spinning equipment).

My tour guide made all of the old things come alive! This building has stood by as Cleveland moved through many eras --- it is an interesting vantage point from which to think about Cleveland and American history.

Dunham Tavern is worth a visit if you can stop by during one of its elusive open times. At other times you can explore the gardens or stop by the farm stand to buy food grown on the grounds.