Dunham Tavern is the "oldest building in Cleveland in that is at it's original location". The museum today is a collection of period artifacts that give you a sense of what daily life for 1836 tavern-keepers might have been like. See wooden boot-pullers, pewter dishware (contains lead!), tin coffee roasting machines, lead-lined tea boxes, rough kitchen tables, a wooden bar in the taproom, a musket and the wall, and (my favorite part) maps and engravings of the Cleveland-of-the-past.

There are only three things in the museum that were owned by the Dunhams themselves (needlepoints made by their daughters and a dresser) and several period artifacts that were not likely used by the Dunhams (flax spinning equipment).

My tour guide made all of the old things come alive! This building has stood by as Cleveland moved through many eras --- it is an interesting vantage point from which to think about Cleveland and American history.

Dunham Tavern is worth a visit if you can stop by during one of its elusive open times. At other times you can explore the gardens or stop by the farm stand to buy food grown on the grounds.