The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum has received $150,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation as their inaugural donation supporting planned preservation and expansion of the historical grounds, Poe Baltimore, the non-profit that stewards the site, announced on May 1.
The museum had already submitted plans for an up to 17,000 square feet expansion project with the Baltimore City Urban Design and Architectural Planning Board (UDAAP) back in April.
The expansion project is set to be done in two phases that will span multiple years as the museum looks to add space “for ongoing and special exhibits in multiple galleries, an auditorium, reading room, special collections and exhibits, a literary garden, and expanded space for museum operations and gift shop,” according to a press release announcing the plans.
Poe Baltimore is currently working on schematic plans for the project throughout the spring and is beginning its capital campaign to fundraise enough money to see the expansion through.
“We are proud to support this transformative expansion, which will add 17,000 square feet of new space and enhance the museum’s ability to inspire, educate, and engage the community for years to come. This collaboration reflects our commitment to preserving history, fostering cultural enrichment, and investing in spaces that bring people together,” said Traci Horne, VP and senior philanthropy & community impact leader at Wells Fargo.
The organization said that the goal of the expansion is to preserve the historic Poe House, celebrate and cement the legacy of Edger Allen Poe in Baltimore.
They added that the neighboring public housing of Poppleton is being developed, and this expansion will allow the museum to better serve the community and Edger Allen Poe fans around the world that will come to visit.
“We are excited to expand our ability to engage residents, neighbors, and visitors from around the world. This once-in-a-generation project will allow us to honor Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy and inspire even more people through dedicated spaces for exhibits, programs, and education. We are deeply grateful to Wells Fargo for sharing this vision.,” said Enrica Jang, executive director for Poe Baltimore.
The organization said that once the capital campaign is completed the construction will begin around the Poe House and “multiple gallery spaces, an auditorium/event space and enhanced visitor center,” according to the press release.