Almost everyone has been on those Victorian house tours where they give stories about the white people who lived there, potential ghosts sightings and whatnot.
Well, allow us to take you on a trip through the homes of some of the most beloved Black history legends. Not everyone stops to think about the four walls Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in or the massive estate of Madame C.J. Walker, both of which are among other historic locations preserved for touring. The architecture, lofty details and machinery we wouldn’t even know how to operate today, but they keep alive the memory not only of our historical figures but also show us what Black life looked like through their lens.
Suggested Reading
If you’re planning a trip to some of these historical sites, first take get a preview into the homes of some our favorite Black historical figures.
The Home of Dr. Carter G. Woodson
The Father of Negro History Week not only pioneered what we now recognize as Black History Month but also became one of the first scholars to study our history including that of the African diaspora. Though the Washington D.C. home is currently closed from visitors, we managed to snag a few sneak peeks of the inside.
Vintage Exterior of Home
The Shaw neighborhood townhouse has gone under some serious renovations since Woodson lived their full-time.
Updated Exterior
The red brick against the sage green is the perfect color combination.
Woodson’s Desk
Majority of Woodson’s home is empty besides his office. Let’s be honest, it is the main attraction.
Vintage Typewriter
This is where the magic happened - whether it was penning scholarly pieces or grading papers, I’m sure.
Bookcase
This is probably just a glimpse at how many books he really had.
Marble Fireplace
What’s the one thing you need to make your office even cozier? A gorgeous marble fireplace.
Staircase
The reddish brown finish of the stairs adds warmth to the home.
The Daisy Bates House
Who was considered the architect of the Little Rock Nine had quite the taste in architecture in her own home. Bates lived in her home with her husband during the Central High School desegregation crisis from 1957 to 1958. Her home became a place of refuge for the nine students who were sent to the school to desegregate it, per the National Park Service.
Charming, Retro Exterior
Old-fashioned but still a stylish design.
Dining Room
That blue paint is the perfect pop of color against the shades of brown.
Entertainment Wall
That television is a blast from the past!
Living Space
The lamp, the rug and even the couch give you a taste of Bates’ style.
Kitchen
Anyone getting nostalgia from this kitchen?
Brick Fireplace
Is it really a living room without a fireplace?
Bedroom
The bedframe’s special pockets for the radio takes you back in time.
Mary McLeod Bethune’s Florida Home
The founder of Bethune-Cookman College and the National Council of Negro Women was not just an activist and educator but a business woman. She co-owned a resort in Daytona, Florida and co-founded a life insurance company, per the National Women’s History Museum. where she also lived for a time. Now, her house is a National Historic Site.
Exterior of Home
Though a historical landmark, the home looks as fresh as any vacation home from the outside.
Dining Table
Those delicate details are what must have impressed dinner guests.
Bedroom
Who doesn’t love a good cherry wood bedframe?
Hallway
The light blue paint is the perfect color to bring more light to those dark corridors.
China Cabinet
Black women, is your house complete without a China cabinet?
Massive Office
Best believe Bethune was putting in work in this office space.
Picture Wall
Not only will you find tons of photos of her but also images of other prominent Black figures.
The Home of Lewis Latimer
The inventor of the evaporated air conditioner and pioneer in electric power resided in Flushing, New York. Inside his home you’ll find a series of the things he invented as well as a glimpse into his everyday life.
Beautiful Exterior
The red and yellow are the perfect combination.
Living Area
A piano is absolutely a staple for most of these houses.
Latimer’s Office Space
This is where the magic happened.
Latimer’s Desk
Realistically, Latimer probably had way more documents and sketches across this desk.
Window-View Desk
Imagine the amount of blueprints and ideas that graced this area.
The Home of Louis Armstrong
The jazz legend lived in his home in Queens with his wife from 1943 until he died in 1971. Now, it’s a museum keeping his legacy alive.
Throwback of Armstrong’s Home
From the outside, the home looks like any other on the block, but believe us it’s not.
Retro-style Kitchen
I don’t know what’s more captivating, the blue or the crazy amount of mid-century cabinet space.
Luxurious Living Area
The perfect sleek space to entertain guests.
Detailed Bathroom Decor
The clamshell sink, the gold, the marble - in perfect condition even after all this time.
A Charming Bedroom
The beautiful chandelier bouncing light off that silver wallpaper.
Living Space
The well preserved art pieces and outstanding portraits of Armstrong and his wife, Lucille.
Quaint Backyard
Perfect for cookout season. There’s so much more on the tour.
The Home of Frederick Douglass
The infamous abolitionist and social justice reformer’s Victorian-style home near Washington, D.C. has a whopping 21 rooms! You’ll be even more astounded by the fine details.
Vintage Photo of Douglass’ Home
Artistic Details
You just know the inside of this house is going to be beautiful by the door knocker alone.
West Parlor
Douglass’ chair was made from Haitian craftsmen.
Douglass’ Study
All of those books preserved for all this time! What a collection.
Dining Area
Literally frozen in time with the most charming historical details.
Sewing Room
Oh to use a vintage sewing machine...
Douglass’ Bedroom
Of course the master bedroom would have a fireplace. And look at that beautiful mirror.
The Estate Madam C.J. Walker
The self-made millionaire built her mansion north of Manhattan called “Villa Lewaro” from the funds she made off the creation of her own hair product line. To be sure, Walker was probably one of the first to introduce us to Black women in luxury.
A Gorgeous Exterior
The New York Times wrote in back in 1917 when Walker nearly completed the estate, “Plans for furnishing the house call for a degree of elegance and extravagance that a princess might envy.”
Millionaire-Status Yard
Walker only lived in the home for a short time before she died in 1919nbut she had already made her mark and showed African Americans what they could achieve. Look at this photo. Oh to see the reactions of these women the first time they stepped foot on the property.
Living Area
Even in vintage form, you can tell every inch of the home was decorated to perfection.
Grand Front Entrance
The detail in the ceiling told me everything I need to know about how Ms. Walker was living.
Dazzling Foyer
Those pieces of African art are pleasant Easter eggs around the home.
A Gorgeous Piano
Because who wouldn’t have a large piano to fill some space in a big house like that? Walker knew how to entertain.
Childhood Home of Martin Luther King Jr.
The civil rights giant had a very humble but solid middle-class beginning before rising to be one of the most influential voices in the Civil Rights Era right in the heart of Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta.
Exterior of MLK’s Home
The Victorian home was built in 1985 for a white family. MLK’s maternal grandparents bought the home some years later. All great homes have a wrap around porch.
Dining Room
Can’t you imagine young MLK and his siblings and parents eating at this table during Sunday dinners.
Charming Kitchen
When’s the last time you’ve seen an old fashioned oven like that?
Main Bedroom
The wallpaper makes the entire room feel homey.
Living Room
Imagine how many memories young Martin Luther King made in this room with his family. Before you buy tickets to tour the home in Atlanta, make sure its not under renovation.
Straight From 
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