Decipher the Code in Poe's Head

All it takes is some good old-fashioned ratiocination to decipher the code.

NPS photo

Poe created the modern detective story when he wrote "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." Although mysteries were not a new literary form, Poe was the first to introduce a character that solved the mystery by analyzing the facts of the case. He called them "tales of ratiocination," meaning tales of logical thinking. Nearly forty-five years after Poe’s death, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced Sherlock Holmes, a character who shares several peculiarities with Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin.

Now it's your turn. Follow in footsteps of Poe's characters and put your detective skills to the test as you crack the code in the exhibit area. 

Details

Duration

5-10 Minutes

Activity

Museum Exhibits

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on-site, unless a designated assistive dog or miniature horse. Read the regulations concerning pets and service animals in the Superintendent's Compendium.

Activity Fee

No

There is no fee to visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.

Location

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The exhibit area is accessible to those who use wheelchairs through a ramp.  To access the ramp, please call ahead (215-597-8780). The historic home is not accessible, nor are there any accessible restrooms. The film is captioned for the hearing impaired, and audio description is available for the sight impaired. Audio description is available for the exhibits.