About the Harriet Beecher Stowe House

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House hosted many educators, ministers, and antislavery advocates in the 18 years the Beechers called Walnut Hills home. During this time, both Harriet Stowe and Calvin Stowe took part in the abolitionist, civil and human rights, and Underground Railroad movements.  Their involvement played a crucial role in the importance of this historic monument. Though they spent much of their time separated in support of these movements, their devotion to their respective causes and each other was unwavering.

The residence was originally designated a historic site in 1946 within the Ohio History Connection Network, a statewide organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories.  Since then, the house in Walnut Hills has undergone a number of changes, the most recent being a plan to renovate the house to be more consistent with the style of the 1830s. Though the plans have just begun, the hope is to have renovations completed within the next three years.
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The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is operated mainly as a historical and cultural site focusing on Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Beyond this primary focus, the information in the house also takes a look into the Lane Seminary and the family, friends, and colleagues of the Beecher-Stowe family.   The 20th century history of the House continues that legacy and incorporates ideals of the Civil Rights movement.

Photo courtesy of Nora Pritchett