2007 Places in Peril
Herndon Home

house museum, home of former slave turned millionaire, needs support

The Story: The 1910 Beaux-Art Herndon Home, built by a former slave who became Atlanta's first black millionaire with a string of barbershops and an insurance company, is another Atlanta house museum at risk. In 1947 Herndon's son, Norris, created the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation, a charitable trust charged with operating the house as a museum. The house became a National Historic Landmark in 2000.

Threat: Water damage to the home and other needed repairs have been reported. The house museum is currently forced to operate with limited hours. It is open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as by appointment. The Foundation has completed some repairs, but the future of the house is unclear. Funding is needed for repairs and to continue operations, or the future of this truly unique American gem is uncertain.

Solution: Like the Wren's Nest, lack of funding for Herndon Home remains the most imminent threat. Alternatives for the house must be considered to ensure its preservation. Both the Wren's Nest and Herndon Home illustrate the need for state funding for house museums.

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Left: The Herndon House, built by a former slave who became Atlanta's first black millionaire, is in dire need of funds.