Harrison House

Genevieve Harrison opened the Harrison Guest House in the 1940s to weary travelers who were unable to stay at local motels and casinos because they were black. Entertainers including Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., and Pearl Bailey, were among the countless guests of this historic home. 

In May 2016, the Harrison Guest House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the house is in need of repairs, the Harrison Guest House has been a place for gathering, entertainment, and refuge. In this new chapter, the house will provide lectures from historians and community leaders to help resolve societal and racial tension, a resource for individuals looking for literature, and you might just catch a musician stopping by to play a tune.

The Harrison House provides tours of the Harrison Guest House, the Pioneer Trail, and the Historic Westside for individuals and groups.

Our Talk and Tea series introduces professional historians, artists, community figues, and more to the public in an intimate setting while viewers enjoy light refreshments. 

Our Westside Sessions are videos of musicians of various genres performing in the Harrison House as a way to celebrate the music and musicians who have passed through the doors in decades prior. 

Once our renovations are complete, the Harrison Guest House will be a Historic LEED certified show house that demonstrates sustainability to the neighborhood.