Ware-Lyndon House | Athens City

The Ware-Lyndon House, located in Athens, Georgia, is a significant historic residence and cultural institution. It is celebrated for its mid-19th-century architecture, civic role in Athens’ history, and its connection to both antebellum Southern society and modern community arts initiatives. It now serves as a house museum and is integrated into the broader Lyndon House Arts Center, making it one of Athens' most important cultural landmarks.

Historical Overview

The house was constructed circa 1850, originally as the home of Dr. Edward R. Ware, a respected physician who moved to Athens in 1829. Dr. Ware was among the early leaders of the local medical community and provided services through the Civil War era and beyond. His residence in this stately home, combined with his standing in society, made the Ware residence a notable center of social and civic life in Athens.

In 1880, ownership passed to Dr. Edward S. Lyndon, another prominent Athenian who owned a successful drugstore and a planing mill that eventually evolved into the Athens Lumber Company. Under Lyndon's ownership, the house continued to serve as a center of upper-class Athens life.

Architectural Details

The Ware-Lyndon House is a rare surviving example of Greek Revival architecture with Italianate influences, particularly notable in a Southern urban setting like Athens.

Key Architectural Features:

Greek Revival Style:

Symmetrical layout and proportions

Tall, square-paneled columns supporting a prominent portico

Gabled pediments and classical entablature

Italianate Influences:

Wide eaves with decorative brackets

Segmented and arched windows

Ornamental detailing on railings and doorways

Interior Details:

High ceilings typical of pre-Civil War Southern homes

Ornate fireplaces and carved mantels in nearly every major room

Period-appropriate furnishings arranged to reflect the lifestyle of wealthy Athenians in the mid-1800s

Grand staircase and double parlors, often used for entertaining guests

The house originally sat on a large parcel of land that stretched toward the North Oconee River and westward into what is now urban Athens. While much of the original grounds have been lost to urban development, the remaining site preserves the home’s character and historical footprint.

Civic and Cultural Role Over Time

The Ware-Lyndon House has transitioned through many roles reflecting changes in Athens over nearly two centuries:

Early 20th Century: After the Lyndon family, the house fell into the hands of the City of Athens. In 1939, it became the first property owned by the city beyond government buildings.

World War II: The house was used as a USO (United Service Organizations) facility, supporting soldiers and their families during wartime.

1950s–1970s: Administered by the Recreation Department, the house became a community gathering place.

1973: The house was transformed into Athens’ first municipally supported arts program, leading to its current function as part of the Lyndon House Arts Center.

1976: It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

1988: It received designation as a local Historic Landmark, affirming its preservation under municipal law.

Current Use and Public Access

Historic House Museum

Today, the Ware-Lyndon House is preserved as a public historic house museum, open for tours and educational visits. It features:

Restored rooms with period-accurate furnishings

Decorative arts collections

Displays that explore daily life in 19th-century Athens

Exhibits that address social dynamics and race relations of the era, including stories of enslaved individuals who lived on the property

Visitors can explore both guided and self-guided interpretations of the house, with particular emphasis on understanding the lives of both the elite and the marginalized during the antebellum and postbellum periods.

The Lyndon House Arts Center

Adjacent to the historic home is the Lyndon House Arts Center, opened in 1999 as a major expansion and modernization project. This arts complex features:

Gallery spaces with rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists

Studio spaces for ceramics, painting, printmaking, and photography

Classrooms and meeting rooms for art instruction and community programming

Offices for the Athens-Clarke County Arts Division

A gift shop supporting local artists

The integration of the historic home with the contemporary art facility creates a unique blend of past and present, where historical preservation meets modern artistic expression.

Cultural Importance and Community Engagement

The Ware-Lyndon House is not only a well-preserved architectural gem but also a living center of community memory and cultural growth.

Education and Outreach

Regular tours for school groups, with curriculum-based programs that tie into Georgia history and social studies

Special exhibitions that engage with African American heritage and the legacy of slavery in Athens

Workshops, lectures, and artist talks hosted in the Arts Center

Preservation of African American History

Since 2019, there has been a concerted effort to document and share the lives of enslaved people who once lived and labored on the property. Oral histories, documentary research, and family connections have brought new depth to the stories presented at the museum.

Featured narratives include families like the Wilborns and Halls, who later became part of Athens’ vibrant African American communities after Emancipation. These stories are now incorporated into a short film and audio podcast played onsite.

Visitor Information

Location: 211 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601

Admission: Free

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Parking: On-site, free

Accessibility: ADA-compliant pathways, restrooms, and elevator access in the Arts Center

Conclusion

The Ware-Lyndon House is more than just a preserved residence; it is a window into Athens’ historical identity, encompassing layers of architecture, social history, and artistic engagement. It provides a compelling contrast between the antebellum Southern lifestyle and the modern values of historical reflection and cultural creativity. As both a museum and a dynamic arts center, it stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation, making it a vital part of Athens’ cultural landscape.