Dear Reader,

Today we are pleased to share the first of an occasional series of guest columns highlighting Black history sites in and around Philadelphia. We are starting this series featuring the story of the Marian Anderson Historical Society, contributed by its executive director.
Marian Anderson performing with pianist Kosti Vehanen at an Easter Service at the Lincoln Memorial, April 9, 1939.

Images by Acme Newspictures, Inc (left) and Time Life Pictures Inc (right).
The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society
by Jillian Patricia Pirtle
The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum is the epicenter for the life and legacy of celebrated contralto Marian Anderson. The understated exterior of the 19th century, three-story Marian Anderson House at 762 South Martin Street (also recognized as Marian Anderson Way between 19th, 20th and Fitzwater Streets in Center City) is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and bears a plaque from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. The Marian Anderson Residence Museum is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
 
Ms. Anderson bought the house in 1924 and lived there most of her life, transforming the basement into an entertainment center. The area included a portable bar stocked with Anderson’s favorite drinks, champagne and water, a few pieces of furniture, and a piano. Here she would entertain friends and fellow musicians while resting up from world tours. Blacks during this time were denied access to most venues, so homeowners would enhance their basements to entertain friends. Today, Ms. Anderson’s modest home contains rare photos, books, memorabilia and films about her life.
Marian Anderson sitting on the front stoop with her mother, Anna, in 1954 during a return visit to Philadelphia. At this time her mother and sister are living in the family’s home, but Marian has moved to Connecticut.
Marian Anderson at the Martin Street residence in the 1950s.
The museum is run and maintained by The Marian Anderson Historical Society and changes its exhibition theme every year giving visitors new and exciting perspectives on Marian Anderson’s amazing life. The Marian Anderson Historical Society is an organization that has been dedicated to promoting the late classical singer, who was considered one of the most important opera performers of the 20th century, showcasing her residence as a museum, a historic landmark, and supporting the development and performance of young classical and contemporary artists and scholars.
 
The organization was founded by Blanche Burton-Lyles and has existed for the past 23 years. Beyond the house itself, the surrounding area has since been named the Marian Anderson Village, which proudly hangs identifying flags throughout the neighborhood. In addition to the residence, the village contains Marian Anderson’s former church, elementary school, and a recreational center dedicated in her name. In addition to promoting Anderson’s legacy locally, the society seeks to spread Anderson’s music throughout the world. The Scholars Program frequently supports young classical and opera singers from around the world. These artists perform regularly at events that the Society sponsors and helps promote their budding careers. The Society also partners with the Arts Empowerment Project to provide education, development and performance for all children in the arts in the tri-state area.
Clockwise from center: Marian Anderson, Anna Anderson, Ethel Anderson De Preist, Alyse Anderson (behind Anna), James De Preist (right of Marian). Image by Look Magazine, July 1954.
Marian Anderson, James De Preist [on drums]. Image by Look Magazine, July 1954.
The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society has been deeply affected by the tragic times our nation faces due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Like many other historical landmarks and museums, the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society has been closed to the general public for in-person touring and live concert performances since early March. We have been unable to secure any government grants or financial assistance to support and sustain our operations. To make matters worse, the museum was recently damaged by a flood caused by aging pipes. The lower level of the museum suffered from 3 ½ feet of standing water and caused considerable damage to the museum’s artifacts, original hardwood flooring, the furnace and electrical systems, and more. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the Society pay for much needed repairs as well as sustaining programming and preservation for the 2020 season. Kindly visit the Go Fund Me campaign link or make a donation via our website.

The Society asks all those who can to please consider supporting the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society during this difficult time. Marian Anderson was a true national treasure and her story is one of uplift and inspiration. We all deserve a place to honor that legacy.
Bringing the
2020 Preservation Achievement Awards
TO YOU
in an exciting virtual format!

...not just another Zoom call - don't miss this special event!

Wednesday, September 23
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM ET

Tickets on sale NOW!
Each ticket includes an Event access link and an Experience Box with a printed program and a gourmet culinary adventure from DiBruno Bros., shipped right to your home or office!

Digital-only tickets are also available — no Experience Box included.