The Pope House Museum, built in 1901, is located in downtown Raleigh, mere blocks away from the Capitol Building. It tells the story of Dr. Manassa T. Pope and his family.
Pope House Museum 511 South Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27601
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Visit
Admission to the museum is free. Donations are appreciated.
Take a guided tour to learn about the Pope family and explore original artifacts.
The Pope House is not currently available for rentals.
Know Before You Go
Parking
Due to its location, no parking is available at the Pope House. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of free two-hour parking in the city center parking deck (429 S Wilmington St) or free weekend street parking. Private lots adjacent to the Pope House are subject to parking fees.
Accessibility
Please be advised that due to its historic nature, the Pope House is not fully wheelchair, scooter, or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) accessible. The house contains raised thresholds, and the second floor is only accessible by stairs.
Call 919-996-4190 or speak to a staff member on-site if you have additional questions or to discuss your group’s needs.
Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services works with community members to support participation. To request a program modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Inclusion Services staff at 919-996-2147 or ParksInclusion@raleighnc.gov.
Black History Walking Tours
The Pope House is excited to offer walking tours showcasing Raleigh’s vibrant Black history. The tour will explore parts of the Third Ward neighborhood, Black Wall Street, historic churches, and more.
Walking Tours are offered each Saturday in March through November, except for City Holidays. Any questions or concerns regarding the walking tour please call 919-996-4190.
Tours begin and end at Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum, with tour times as follows:
Mar. - May | 2 p.m.
June - Aug. | 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Sept. - Nov. | 11 a.m.
Types of Walking Tours
Third Ward Walking Tour: One-hour walking tour of Dr. M.T. Pope’s Neighborhood, which is a part of the Prince Hall Historic District. This tour is offered in June - Aug. at 10 a.m.
Downtown Black History Tour: An hour and a half tour exploring Raleigh’s Black downtown history. Stops will include Raleigh’s Black Wallstreet. Tours are offered Mar. - May at 2 p.m., June - Aug. at 6 p.m., Sept. - Nov. at 11 a.m.
Admission:
Tickets can be purchased online at Reclink. Please arrive 15 minutes early to find parking and to check tickets.
Adults: (Morning) | $10, (Evening) | $15
Ages 7 - 17 | $6
Children (6 and under) | Free
Group Pricing (10 people or more) | $7 per person
History
The Pope House offers a glimpse into the life of one of Raleigh’s most intriguing citizens, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope. Dr. Pope was a graduate of Leonard Medical School and one of the first licensed African-American doctors in North Carolina. He was also the only African-American to run for mayor of a Southern capital during the Jim Crow Era.
The house features original furnishings and historical artifacts that give insight into the lives of this remarkable man, his wives, Lydia and Delia, and daughters, Evelyn and Ruth Pope.
Dating to the 1860s, the Pope House Museum Collection totals over 3,000 artifacts which give insight into the life of one of the leading African-American families in Raleigh in the early 1900s. From Dr. Pope's father's freedman papers to his voter registration card to his original doctor's bag from the Spanish-American War, the collection boasts a wide range of material culture.
Educational opportunities at the Pope House are offered as part of the City of Raleigh Museum Education Programs. Our goal is to provide a variety of hands-on programs that will engage students and get them excited about their local history.