Discover the Herndon Home Museum
The Herndon Home Museum is a National Historic Landmark at 587 University Place NW, atop Diamond Hill, one of Atlanta’s highest points. With its elegant Classical Revival architecture infused with Beaux-Arts influences, the mansion tells the inspiring story of Alonzo Franklin Herndon, Atlanta’s first Black millionaire, and his family.
Back in the late 19th century, Diamond Hill was intended as a place where African-American educators, business leaders, and community influencers could thrive despite the racial barriers of the time. Surrounded by institutions like Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, the Herndon Home became part of a pioneering enclave for Black excellence.
This wasn’t just a neighborhood; it was a statement. While much of Atlanta barred African Americans from buying property, Diamond Hill made it possible. By building their mansion at its summit, Alonzo and Adrienne Herndon cemented their place as leaders of their community.
The Herndon Family Legacy
Alonzo Franklin Herndon
Born into slavery on June 26, 1858, in Social Circle, Georgia, Alonzo Franklin Herndon rose from unimaginable hardship to become a successful entrepreneur. After the Civil War, he received only one year of formal education, yet his drive and determination led him to apprentice as a barber. This trade became the foundation of his success.
Alonzo’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1878 with his first barber shop in Jonesboro, Georgia. By 1904, he owned three upscale barber shops in Atlanta, including his flagship shop at 66 Peachtree Street, exclusively serving white clientele. Known for their luxurious interiors, these shops gained widespread acclaim and financial success.
In 1905, Alonzo expanded his business ventures by purchasing a mutual aid association, which he transformed into the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Under his leadership, the company became one of the most prominent Black-owned businesses in the nation. His ventures into real estate also bolstered his wealth.
Despite his financial success, Alonzo remained committed to uplifting his community. He generously supported educational and social justice causes and advocated for economic development among African Americans. Alonzo passed away a millionaire on July 21, 1927, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Adrienne McNeil Herndon
Adrienne McNeil Herndon, Alonzo’s first wife, was as remarkable as her husband. Born on July 22, 1869, in Augusta, Georgia, Adrienne grew up with dreams of a theatrical career. After graduating from the Normal School at Atlanta University in 1890, she began teaching in Atlanta’s public schools. Her life took a significant turn when she met and married Alonzo in 1893.
With Alonzo’s support, Adrienne pursued her passion for acting. She studied at prestigious institutions like the Boston School of Expression and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Although systemic racism and sexism of the time limited her opportunities on the national stage, Adrienne made a lasting impact in Atlanta.
As the first director of dramatics at Atlanta University, she nurtured the arts in her community and played a pivotal role in designing the Herndon mansion. Tragically, Adrienne passed away from Addison’s disease in 1910, before the mansion’s completion.
Norris Bumstead Herndon
Norris Bumstead Herndon, the only child of Alonzo and Adrienne, inherited the family’s legacy at just 28 years old after Alonzo’s death. Under his leadership, the Atlanta Life Insurance Company grew exponentially, with assets surpassing $100 million by the time of his passing in 1977.
Norris’s refined taste is reflected in the exquisite collections displayed in the Herndon Home Museum. His commitment to preserving his family’s accomplishments led to the establishment of the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation in 1983, which oversees the museum today.
Sweet Auburn
The Herndon story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Sweet Auburn, the district where Alonzo laid the groundwork for his business empire. From the Atlanta Life Insurance Company to the iconic Herndon Building—sadly lost in a 2008 tornado—this area was a hotbed of African-American entrepreneurship. The Herndons invested heavily in Sweet Auburn, creating spaces that fostered community growth and economic opportunity.
History of the Herndon Home Museum
The Herndon Home was built between 1908 and 1910. Alonzo and his wife Adrienne oversaw the two-story mansion’s grand design and it was constructed almost entirely by African American labor. A multi-colored brickwork beauty designed in the Classical Revival and Beaux-Arts styles, the mansion has 15 rooms, a grand entrance portico supported by paired Corinthian columns, and intricate etched glass windows.
Inside, the home is a blend of Renaissance Revival, Arts and Crafts, Rococo, and Neo-Classical influences. It contains elegant period details, from hand-painted murals narrating the Herndon family history on the first-floor walls to custom-designed antique furniture.
Herndon Home even has a rooftop terrace where Adrienne Herndon dreamed of staging performances with Atlanta, quite literally, as the backdrop!
In 2000, the Herndon Home was declared a National Historic Landmark, a recognition of its cultural and historical significance. Before that, in 1989, it was designated a "landmark building exterior" by the city of Atlanta.
Visiting the Herndon Home Museum
Herndon Home Museum is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. All other days it is closed. However, group tours (15 or more) are available any day except Sunday—Be sure to book your tour in advance to secure your spot!
Visitor Information
- Admission: Prices vary by age group, and discounted tickets are often available online.
- Accessibility: The museum is partially accessible and family-friendly.
- Amenities: Public restrooms, meeting facilities, and party spaces are available.
Explore Beyond the Herndon Home Museum with CityDays
To discover more landmarks concerning African American history in Atlanta consider reading our blog on topics such as The Wren’s Nest and The King Center.
At CityDays we also offer scavenger and treasure hunt tours across Atlanta and around the world, perfect for uncovering the city’s history and hidden gems through puzzles, riddles, and lots of eating and drinking along the way!
They’re an interactive experience ideal for team-building exercises or just a fun day out with friends and family. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, CityDays will help you uncover the secrets of Atlanta and beyond.
