Former home of Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta's first African American millionaire and founder of Atlanta Life Insurance. Open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Herndon Home Museum is operated by the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation, Inc. The mission of the Foundation is to increase the awareness and appreciation of the significance of the Herndon Family and the historical context in which the family lived and worked. The Herndons, one of the most prominent Black families in Atlanta's history, sharply reflect the city's distinictive development as a center for Black business, education, and culture. From Alonzo Herndon's rise from slavery to leadership in the Black business community, the Herndons are a unique resource of local and national significance in the interpretation of Black struggle and achievement.
The objectives of Herndon Home Museum Programs are:
1. To provide for the repair and care of the Herndon Home, Carriage House, and grounds;
2. To provide for the management and care of the Herndon family collection of furniture, furnishings, textiles, decorative objects, manuscripts, photographs, books, and other materials;
3. To conduct regularly-schedules tours of the Home Museum;
4. To exhibit the Herndon Family Collection and related materials;
5. To conduct a variety of educational programs that increase understanding of the Herndons and their history;
6. To conduct research on the Herndon Family and their historical context;
7. To publish information which compiles, interprets and promotes the history of the Herndons;
8. To promote awareness of the museum and its history through publicity in the various media;
9. To operate the museum and its program(s) with a trained corps of paid staff and volunteers.
The Herndon Home, designed by Adrienne NcNeil Herndon, was built between 1908 and 1910 with Alonzo Herndon acting as general contractor. Construction of the home was performed exclusively (absent the plumbing and electrical systems) by African-American craftsmen.
The formally composed building is constructed with multi-colored brick, and features a two story entry portico supported by Corinthian columns. One-story porches to each side of the building echo this theme in brick piers and wooden capitals. An elliptical fanlight over the main entrance and the balustrade above the full entablature of the building's cornice add a distinctly Georgian Revival flavor to this imposing residence.
A fine example of upper income dwellings in the early 1900's, the interior draws upon various design traditions, including the renaissance revival forms of the reception hall and dining room, and the Rococo detailing of the music room.
Designated a national Historic Landmark in 2000, The Herndon Home is a lasting tribute to the hard work and talent of the Herndon Family. The Herndon Home opened as a tour museum in 1983 and is open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Group reservations are also welcome.
