The Historic Society

Marian Anderson Historical Society: The Keepers of a Legacy

The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum is the Epi-Center for the Life and Legacy of Marian Anderson. The understated exterior of the 19th century, 3-story Marian Anderson House at 762 South Martin Street (Marian Anderson Way- in-between 19th &20th & Fitzwater Street in Center City West Rittenhouse Square District Philadelphia Pa 19146) bears a plaque from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Declared a Historic Landmark by the state of Pennsylvania & The Marian Anderson Residence Museum has been placed on the National Register Of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior Ms. Anderson bought the house in 1924, The museum is run and maintained by The Marian Anderson Historical Society & changes its Exhibition theme every year giving visitors new and exciting perspectives on Marian Andersons amazing life. The organization was founded by Blanche Burton-Lyles and has existed for the past 20 years. The society itself consists of The Marian Anderson Residence Museum. Beyond that, the area around these sites has been named the Marian Anderson Heritage Village, which proudly boasts flags around the neighborhood. Along with the Museum the Marian Anderson Scholar Artist Program is a major fixture that supports young Artists, classical & opera singers, instrumentalists, visual artists & more ages 18 -45 who are ambassadors of Marian Andersons Musical Legacy. These artists perform regularly for a season of shows & events that the society sponsors yearly, and perform around the world.

The National Marian Anderson Museum

Museum Hours: The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum is
currently available for Visitors Tours from 10am - 4pm Monday through Saturday.

Anyone that wishes to make an appointment to Tour the Museum please call our
offices @ (215) 779-4219

All perspective tour guests Please email our offices your request @ marianandersonhistoricsociety@gmail.com
Click on the Museum Tours Page at the Top of the Website!!!

THE NATIONAL MAHS NEWS LETTER

IN THE NEWS

The National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Legendary Philadelphia Orchestra. Our Cup Runneth Over with Thankfulness for the entire team of the Philadelphia Orchestra in their willingness to stand with us during this very difficult time that we are currently facing with the COVID-19 Pandemic and our Flood Disaster. You have proven that the relationship with our great Marian Anderson and the Philadelphia Orchestra is not forgotten. Special Thank you to Mr. Jeremy Rothman & his team, Music Master Davyd Booth & Phillip Kates, our Mezzo Soprano Tanisha Anderson, the film crew, and Maestro Yannick for including the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society in Our City Your Orchestra. Everyone Please enjoy this work of love and for those who can Please Support the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society and the Legendary Philadelphia Orchestra ~ Soprano Jillian Patricia Pirtle MAHS CEO

The Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians

Then PBS calls Again!

The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society is honored to be acknowledged, and an important participant On Set to film for PBS American Masters as we gave Historical Interviews and presentation on the life of our great Marian Anderson for the upcoming documentary 'Marian Anderson The Whole World In Her Hands". We would like to sincerely Thank the director of the film documentary Ms. Rita Coburn for her recognition of the true value and legacy of the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society, and we would like to thank the Executive Director of the historic Wannanaker Building Ms. Natalie Kidd for her kindness and support. Thank you to the historic Reading Terminal, to the President of the Preservation Alliance Mr. Paul Steinke and the entire crew that made this moment for our Marian possible.
Keeper of the Legacy Our heritage. The History the Music the Movement.

The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society would like to sincerely Thank the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra for their partnership and making it possible for the historic Jacobs Music Company to maintenance adopt our great Marian Anderson's Steinway Piano. This service and support will make sure that this treasured instrument of history will be in pristine condition and in fine tune at our National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society for generations to come. Thanks to Master Tuner Keith for the beautiful work. We Thank You.

For more information on how you can support the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society's programming during this very difficult time that we are facing call our office today @ 215-779-4219
www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com

Progress is slowly being made!

The National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society would like to Thank Everyone who has supported us thus far and donated during this challenging circumstances that we have been facing.
Thanks to Mr. Grasso & his team with Grasso Construction Company we are in the process of installing a brand new Heating System in the National Marian Anderson Museum due to the old system that was destroyed during our devastating flood that we endured. All of the water has been pumped out from both flood incidents. We have removed the old heating unit, and are in phase two of the install of the New Heating Unit. There are more stages to go, but it is a great start and we are Very Grateful. We are still yet in the process of trying to raise funds to meet our Goal of $40,000.00 and we are only half way there. There is so much to be done to make repairs to all of the damages and further issues that we have faced with the Emergency Flooding and all that we have lost during this continued COVID-19 Pandemic. We ask that everyone please keep the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society in your prayers & thoughts. And for those who can please consider supporting the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society with a Donation / A Sponsorship or An Adoption. You can call our office @ 215-779-4219

http://marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/donate--s…

https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyjj43-support-for-marian-anders…

We humbly Thank You.

Have you heard the Legendary Philadelphia Orchestras New PODCAST 'Hear Together"? Make sure that you click on the link below and Listen Now!
What an honor and sincere meaningful moment it was to be the first guest for the Philadelphia Orchestras New Hear Together Podcast Series. My Cup Runneth Over with gratitude and Thanks to Victoria Tori Marchiony and to the Philadelphia Orchestra for showing care and kindness to the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society and to me as an Artist. I was moved to tears by this premiere Podcast. It is my prayer and my hope that the world will receive your Podcast at every episode and that the message of this one will be lifted up. I encourage everyone to Listen to this Podcast and Support the National Marian Anderson Historical Society & Museum and The Legendary Philadelphia Orchestra. "We The People" !
PODCAST LINK BELOW:
https://www.philorch.org/heartogether…

The National Marian Anderson Museum faces the COVID-19 Pandemic & a Flood Emergency

Greetings Supporters & Subscribers,

The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society would like to sincerely Thank everyone who attended & viewed the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society's' Sacred Art Songs Live-Stream Concert' program that occurred on September 5th 2020. Your support means everything to our organization. We encourage you to Please continue to support the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society as we stand through this very difficult time for our historical landmark museum & organization.
www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com 215-779-4219

The National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society would like to sincerely Thank Ms. Layla Jones, WHYY and the Billy Penn News Publication for your kindness in shinning a spotlight on the Marian Anderson Museum during this most difficult time that we are facing. We Will Get Through This and come out on the other side but for those who have supported our historical landmark, organization and programming while we survive the COVID-19 crisis and flood emergency we are humbly grateful with appreciation.

For more information on how you can support the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society's programming during this very difficult time that we are facing, please call our office today @ 215-779-4219 www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com

https://billypenn.com/…/marian-anderson-house-museum-savi…/…

https://billypenn.com/2020/08/13/marian-anderson-house-museum-savior-philadelphia-civil-rights-nazi-figher-legacy/?fbclid=IwAR2inCKTzV-YRZS5HfiNPuXZ29jqO4nsS3G56dVEDaXnzrz0SaS2ntz2bq0

A humble Thank You so much to everyone who has shown kindness and generosity putting a spotlight on the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society during these tragic times and circumstances that we are facing due to the COVID-19 health crisis, and the horrible Flood that the National Marian Anderson Historical Society has recently suffered on the lower level of the museum. We are asking all those who can please consider Supporting the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society during this difficult time. There has been a Go Fund Me Campaign established to assist the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society deal with the damages and repairs that are needed as well as sustaining our programming and preservation for the 2020 season due to the closers from the COVID-19 health crisis. Or you can make a Donation / Sponsorship directly to our website.

Go Fund Me Campaign Link : https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-marian-anderson-hist…www.marianandersonhistoriclsociety.weebly.com
*This is brought to you by The National Marian Anderson Museum

With Great Appreciation
Jillian Patricia Pirtle
National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society CEO
www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com
215-779-4219
762 S. Martin Street Philadelphia PA 19146

Among the many treasured artifacts that were damaged in the disastrous flood that we suffered with 3 1/2 feet of standing water was this beautiful piece that belonged to our great Marian Anderson in an original large photograph of She and beloved Paul Robeson. The divine gold and brass arched framing, glass and matting was severely damaged (by the grace of God the delicate photograph itself was not water logged except for the corners) Because of the kindness and support that we have begun to receive we have been able to start the long and slow process of trying to get the many artifacts and items fixed that need to be repaired and preserved, and it is our prayer that we will receive more support so that we can repair and replace the very large items that are needed in the museum that were do damaged by the flood such as the heater system, the electric, the flooring, Artifacts etc. We would sincerely like to Thank the CEO Of the City Art & Framing Company and Art Gallery in Philadelphia who understood our crisis situation and gave us a fair price to repair this treasure of an artifact.
If you can please consider Supporting the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society during this very difficult time that we are facing.
www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com
215-779-4219
Support for Marian Anderson Historical Society https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-marian-anderson-hist…
*This is brought to you by The National Marian Anderson Museum

Flood damage causes strain on Marian Anderson’s home, legacy By
Mark Zimmaro
July 14, 2020

Marian Anderson’s voice helped change the world. And it’s still needed. The famous opera singer was one of the most iconic and influential figures in both local and American history, breaking the color barrier as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera and on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She toured the world with her music and serenaded U.S. presidents at their inaugurations. The Marian Anderson House at 762 S. Martin St. in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood honors the late singer and serves as a museum and a home to the Marian Anderson Historical Society. Known as a South Philadelphia treasure, Anderson’s house was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2011.
To many people, it means so much more.
“It was Marian’s home,” said Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO of the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society. “All of the life and stories and treasures it has in it are such a blessing. It’s a legacy both historically and culturally.”
Anderson purchased the row home in 1924, a year before she performed with the New York Philharmonic. She transformed the basement of her house into an entertainment center because at the time, African Americans were often not welcomed to go out socially. “In the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s, even as African Americans could perform at the Academy of Music and other theaters in Center City, people still couldn’t get open table seating because of the color of their skin,” Pirtle said. “So Marian converted the lower level into a second dining area and they had a lot of impromptu performances here.” Popular musicians such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong were just some of the names known to have played at Anderson’s South Philly residence. “So many people were in and out of here,” Pirtle said. “We breathe their rarefied air. It’s really something.” And now that space is endangered. The Marian Anderson Historical Society has met its match in financial troubles in 2020. First, COVID-19 forced the museum to close to the tourist public in March, eliminating admission fees that pay the bills to keep it running. A few weeks ago, several pipes burst in the house, flooding the 1857 establishment and causing severe damage.

A dress on display during a recent exhibit at the Marian Anderson House in South Philadelphia. The museum was flooded and suffered significant damage. Contributed PhotoSince the house was closed to the public because of the pandemic, Pirtle said the building was vacant and no one knew of the severity of the situation until several days later, as water drenched the home. About three and a half feet of water was found in the basement, and several irreplaceable artifacts were damaged.
The cost to fix the pipes and restore the floor are calculated to exceed $5,000. The Historical Society was already facing a shortfall of about $40,000.00 due to the inactivity at the museum, placing it in a dire situation. A GoFundMe was created to raise funds, and supporters have raised more than $3,000, but the museum still has an enormous mountain to climb.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Pirtle said. “There are so many reasons for us to cry right now.”
Surprisingly, the Marian Anderson House receives virtually no help through grants or historical preservation funds despite applying for them annually. It is forced to rely heavily on admission and private donations.
“We fill out grants every year,” Pirtle said. “But we really don’t get any help that way. We have a couple of seniors that are supporters but other than that, we rely on foot traffic through the tours and those who buy tickets to our concert season.”
The house is extremely well kept, and the society provides new exhibits every year, giving annual visitors a brand new experience each time they arrive.
Last year, the museum showcased three floors of memorabilia, featuring never-before-seen gowns and costumes once worn by Anderson, along with 103 of her live recordings with Recording Artist Company.
This year’s exhibit opened in February, focused on Anderson and her relationships with other impactful women who helped shape the 20th century.
“We never have the same exhibit,” Pirtle said. “It’s always changing every year. We go into the storage facility and bring out new pieces that people haven’t seen. We do whatever we can to raise the attention and the awareness and visibility. But it seems not to resonate and that’s sad because Marian is so much to so many people in Philadelphia, across the nation and around the world. Sometimes, I get to the point when I’m asking myself when are people going to care about Marian.”

Members of the Marian Anderson Historical Society Scholars Program & Foundation from a recent performance. Contributed photo Pirtle said Anderson’s hometown of Philadelphia has perhaps taken this local treasure for granted.
“A lot of our attendance is from tour guests from out of town because, believe it or not, we don’t get any support from the city,” she said.
Pirtle aims to keep Anderson’s memory thriving, much like society founder and multifaceted concert pianist Blanche Burton-Lyles did for more than two decades before she passed away in November 2018. Burton-Lyles bought the house on South Martin Street in 1997.
“One of the wonderful things about Marian was she wanted to make sure that the music and the legacy and the performance were going to live on in the next generation,” said Pirtle, who has donated much of her performance money back to the society. “(Burton-Lyles) wanted to revive the scholar artist program that Marian started. We’ve stayed with the program, and I’m trying to keep the legacy alive but it’s very hard because we still have to pay bills. It’s sad and it’s a strain but I’m praying that somebody can help us.”
To Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-marian-anderson-historical-society

The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society would like to take the time to sincerely thank everyone who attended and participated in the Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony for our Marian Anderson and the open house event for the opening of our brand new Exhibit 'Marian the Music the Women and the Movement' at the National Marian Anderson Museum. We would like to give a special thank you to the historic Eden Cemetery for your partnership and for maintaining the safety and protection of our Marian Anderson's grave. We want to thank the Chapel of Four Chaplains for your partnership and all that you do to support the National Marian Anderson Museum & our programming. Thank you to Corporal Houston and the 3rd Regimen Colored Soldiers for your kindness & participation. Thank you to one of the greatest bakeries in the nation Denise's Delicacies Bakery & CEO Ms. Keshia for supporting the Marian Anderson Museum & this event. We want to also thank our Musical Director Mr. Gareth Haynes & the National Marian Anderson Scholar Artists for your incredible talent & for all that you do to keep the legacy of our great Marian Anderson alive.
For more information on how you can support the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society's programming for the 2020 Season call our office today @ 215-779-4219
www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com

https://billypenn.com/2019/11/12/inside-the-historic-home-of-phillys-most-famous-classical-singer-marian-anderson/?fbclid=IwAR3M6E658kPV2fJoV57aNIfz5EEdUf2stKJvM358qUB2j9_WBPbzkAKaURU

The National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society would like to humbly thank Bobbi Booker and The Philadelphia Tribune for covering the historic moment for our country with the 80th Anniversary of our great Marian Andersons Lincoln Memorial Concert in 1939.

https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philly-pays-tribute-to-marian-anderson-s-historic-easter-performance/article_50fe3d28-5df0-5aeb-add8-a79cf86cb2d7.html?fbclid=IwAR2Md6k4JDu6vMpkH0CtVuuB4mmG5XO3FLRRyMX55Y4GhjdObdUKFQ7_Aw8

The National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society would like to sincerely Thank The South Philly Review Newspaper Publication and journalist Grace Maiorano for shinning a spotlight on our 2019 season exhibition "Marian A Soul In Song" and for acknowledging the great importance of supporting the National Marian Anderson Museum and Scholar Artist Programming. For more information on how you can be a supporter call our office Today @ 215-779-4219

https://southphillyreview.com/2019/03/05/new-exhibit-opens-at-marian-anderson-museum/

New exhibit opens at Marian Anderson Museum

Every year, the National Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum tells a new story of the celebrated South Philadelphia singer whose voice defied notions of race, gender and vocal ranges.
Launching annually on her birthday, Feb. 27, and running through the following January, the Graduate Hospital historical landmark, which Anderson called home for most of her life, hosts a different 11-month exhibit each year.
Kicking off last week, 2019’s showcase, “Marian: A Soul in Song,” takes guests on a “living history tour,” divulging into the world-renowned performing artist’s life and legacy through, perhaps, Anderson’s most revealing aspect – her voice.
“I don’t know of another historical figure that has, in many different ways, shaped the scope of the conversation the way Marian Anderson has….We tend to focus on those key points of Marian’s life that can tell an infinite story and stretch the conversation,” said Jillian Patricia Pirtle, National Marian Anderson Museum CEO and National Marian Anderson Scholar and performing artist. “Certainly, her recordings do that.”
The new exhibit, which encompasses three floors of memorabilia, features never-before-seen gowns and costumes once worn by Anderson during her decades-long career that carried throughout the 20th century amidst a plethora of genres.
Most of the 15 articles of clothing, which start even with her baby clothes, are paired with a performance, as live recordings are accompanied by the respective dresses she wore during the tapings, resurrecting the historical concerts right in her South Philly home as guests will listen to the songs being played on a victrola.
While prior exhibitions have presented Anderson’s singing, Pirtle says this showcase features the most number of vocals, as 103 live recordings were resurfaced for the display. The dozens of songs were recorded by the Camden-based RCA (Recording Artist Company), previously known as Victor Talking Machine Company before 1929, as Anderson was the first African-American to sign with the major label, according to the museum.
“So, to tell that story, bring it together in the museum, pair it with the proper gowns and costumes that go along with the recordings, and then the stories, the contracts that you see on display that she had with RVC, the different photos and memorabilia, it kind of ties in and tells this whole story, which is really our goal for every exhibit,” Pirtle said. “We want a different story to be told.”
Like all of the museum’s annual displays, the exhibitions are not only informative but immersive, as guests will wander the halls and stairways Anderson once walked. Much of the memorabilia is free from glass protection, making the experience more authentic.
Actually immersing into Anderson’s sphere, the sites of the dresses are stitched together by contracts gently lying on the piano or baby shoes on the wall.

Most of the articles of clothing are paired with a performance, as live recordings are accompanied by the respective dresses she wore during the tapings. (GRACE MAIORANO/South Philly Review)Hosting the exhibits, especially this one, in Anderson’s home, which she bought for $4,000 in cash in the mid-1920s, according to Pirtle, elevates the singer’s accounts.
“It humanizes (Marian’s story) on a level that can not be felt otherwise,” Pirtle said. “When people walk into the museum, they say they feel Marian’s spirit. They feel her essence being here.”
Stepping into the row home nestled on South Martin Street, which was acquired by museum founder Blanche Burton Lyles in 1995, audiences are immediately taken on a journey through Anderson’s life. The first room, peppered with her christening dresses and childhood jacket, sheds light on her youth, which gradually spills into the adjacent room that unveils Anderson’s journey from music education to professional pressings.
On the second floor, guests will see more of Anderson’s familial story and her life as a young woman after returning from Europe, where she received education and performance experiences. Finally, the basement level includes a dedication to Anderson’s iconic performance at the Lincoln Memorial.
While the exhibit takes guests on an adventure of Anderson’s life, it concurrently reveals major points in American history, including the Great Depression, World War II and the civil rights movement, as her music noticeably shifts during such periods.
“Marian always believed in wanting to excel in her dream with her voice and then to use her voice to make a difference, and though she faced terrible discrimination being told – no, she couldn’t succeed, because of the color of her skin, and because she was a female, and then overcoming those obstacles to become everything that she was,” Pirtle said. “…And everything she did with her voice to change the scope and the vision, the direction of the country as it were going forward.”

(GRACE MAIORANO/South Philly Review)In appreciating Anderson’s legacy, Pirtle also hopes the exhibit exposes audiences to the museum and historical society’s philanthropy, especially its efforts in fostering the future generation of vocalists.
According to its website, the National Marian Anderson Museum Scholar Arts Program supports young classical, opera, theatrical , musical and visual artists from countries across the globe. Along with a season of concerts that help benefit the museum, the selected scholars perform at events sponsored by the society.
“The essence of the voice is such a crystal clear thought,” Pirtle said. “It’s such a wonderful uniqueness that we all have that can’t be taken any other way or taken for granted, because it’s so unique…when you hear Marian’s voice, that’s her story. That’s her legacy, and certainly, we want to make sure that the legacy goes on for generations to come.”
Info: The exhibit runs through Jan. 1, 2020 at 762 S. Martin St..
General admission is a $10 donation to support the museum and scholar arts program.
Book your Group Tour Today at marianandersonhistoricsociety@gmail.com or 215-779-4219
For more information, visit www.marianandersonhistoriclsociety.weebly.com.
gmaiorano@newspapermediagroup.com
Twitter: @gracemaiorano

What a triumphant day for the National Marian Anderson Museum. We were humbly honored to co-host this historic event with the United States Department of the Interior as the historic mural created in 1943 by Mitchell Jamison showcasing Marian Andersons historic 1939 Lincoln Memorial Concert was deemed on this first day of February 2018 as a National Historic Landmark under the National African American Civil Rights Act. We would sincerely like to Thank Secretary Ryan Zinke, The United States Department of the Interior, Deputy John Bockmeir, Desmond Herzfelder and family, the Roosevelt Family, the President of the DAR, Howard University, the NAACP, Philadelphia St. John Nuemann & Goretti High school and band and everyone who made this historic day possible. May we ever preserve the Musical Legacy.

The National MAHS & Residence Museum would Sincerely like to Thank Everyone who attended 'The Unveiling" last evening as The Amonitti Family Trust led by the renowned Dr. George Amonitti who gave and dedicated his Fathers ( George Amonitti II) treasured oil painting 'The Marian 1938' to the National Marian Anderson Residence Museum to be on display to keep forever as we preserve the Musical Legacy of the Great Marian Anderson. We would like to Thank the ABC Networks evening News team for covering the story as well as all of the other media and Press markets that we in attendance. We would like to Thank All of the MAHS Classical Vocal Scholars for your Performance & Attendance as well as the National MAHS Board, Membership and Staff. The Musical Legacy will live on. For More information on how you can support the National Marian Anderson Residence Museum and our Classical Vocal Scholars program please visit our website @ www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com or call our offices @ 215- 779-4219

The National MAHS & Residence Museum is overwhelmed with Joy as our National Marian Anderson Classical Vocal Scholars and Artists Shined during this 106th National NAACP Convention week. How outstanding that the National MAHS Artists closed the convention with last evenings Performances at the Historical Spingarn Medal. Our Artists Extraordinary and we celebrate Miss Jillian Patricia Pirtle, Miss Regina A Smith and Mr. Keith Ivy. As pictured below we Thank the National NAACP President Dr. Cornell Brooks for allowing us to be apart of this American History. The Musical Legacy Lives on and we will continue to Preserve it. For more information on how you can support the National Marian Anderson Residence Museum visit www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com or call our offices @ 215-732-9505 / 215-779-4219

The National Historical Marian Anderson Museum & Society Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of The Great Marian Anderson's Nation Changing Concert at the Lincoln Memorial 1939-2014.

The National Historical Marian Anderson Residence Museum & Society are Honored to have the Marian Anderson 75th Anniversary Gala Featured in the National AfriClassical Magazine courtesy of Mr. Bill Doggett.

http://africlassical.blogspot.com/2014/06/philadelphia-honors-marian-andersons.html

www.phillytrib.com/news/new-bill-will-feature-legendary-opera-singer-marian-anderson/article_02d6f041-bb44-530e-8d76-a0f302ded6c2.html

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Secretary for the US Treasury spent Friday afternoon in South Philadelphia at the home of the late Marian Anderson, looking for some inspiration. October 21, 2016 7:26 PM By Cherri Gregg
From her music, to her fashion and her trailblazing impact on history, all packed into her modest home near 20th and Fitzwater.“Marian Anderson’s story is the story of America,” says Jacob Lew, US Treasury Secretary. Lew announced in the spring that the Treasury would be re-designing several bills of US currency, to add more women to the fold. The face of the $20 bill will feature abolitionist Harriet Tubman, the back of the new $10 bill will feature images telling the story of women’s suffrage and the back of the new $5 bill will depict historic events that took place at the Lincoln Memorial. “The Lincoln Memorial is more than just a monument to Abraham Lincoln,” says Lew, “it is one of the great spots in our country where people committed to making this country better go to make a statement.” The re-design of the five dollar bill will feature a composite image of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream Speech,” as well as Eleanor Roosevelt and Marian Anderson from Anderson’s 1939 performance on the steps of the memorial, which broke racial barriers. At the time, concert halls in Washington DC were segregated; and ,any historian’s believe that Anderson’s concert, performed at the invitation of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, launched the civil rights movement. “Life today is different in this country because of what happened on the steps of the Lincoln memorial that day,” says Lew. Anderson was also a US Ambassador and patriot, donating majority of the proceeds from her platinum selling “Voice of America” album to the country’s WWII effort. “That shows you so much about her love of country and her patriotism,” says Jillian Pirtle, historian and president of the Marian Anderson Historical Society. “I think Marian would be looking down and smiling, knowing that the country she loved so much will memorialize her in this way,” she says.” Lew says the new $5 bill design is still in progress and will likely be released under the next administration.

The MAHS wants to make sure you check out my Feature Blurb in the September Issue of the CityPaper Magazine and why we think it is important for you to Tour and Visit the National Historical Marian Anderson Residence Museum and Society.

Burton-Lyles to laud Marian Anderson A Point Breeze pianist will lead a commemorative tribute to a legendary singer.

By Joseph Myers

Blanche Burton-Lyles gladly inhabits two worlds, one powered by praising the past and the other infused with a focus on the future. The always-occupied octogenarian will unite her universes Saturday by helming the diamond anniversary celebration of fellow South Philadelphian Marian Anderson’s historic Lincoln Memorial performance. In doing so, she will honor the singer not only as an admirer but as a recipient of her encouragement.

“She is such a part of our cultural background that all generations, especially the younger ones, should know of her example,” Burton-Lyles recently said from Anderson’s 2011 National Register of Historic Places-designated abode at 762 S. Martin St. “She remains relevant today for her talent, of course, and for the way she conducted herself and sought to be a positive presence and influence.”

Along with numerous devotees of the lauded South of South songstress, the resident of the 1100 block of South 19th Street will head to The African American Museum of Philadelphia as an esteemer of her output and a dreamer of opportunities for potential-profuse youths. Having acquired the aforementioned home 16 years ago and transformed it into a museum and the base for a thriving historical society, she has certainly succeeded in localizing Anderson’s achievements and works to prolong her mentor’s enthusiasm for finding noteworthy successors.

“There’s so much talent to experience,” the Point Breeze denizen said of having overseen the development of classical and performing artist scholars, including South Philly-situated figures, since the late 1990s. “We are quite often giving them the bridge they need.”

Many aided individuals will join Burton-Lyles for the year-in-the-making extravaganza, during which she will receive the Founders Award for preserving Anderson’s legacy. The three-hour event will feature piano selections from the honoree, but she knows full well the day will belong to her prized confidant.

“She had amazing gifts but seemed separated from them,” Burton-Lyles said of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Grammy Award winner. “By that, I mean she was so human, so unassuming and had not a trace of pride.”

Anderson also possessed immense resolve, as evidenced in ’39 by her professional handling of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s refusal to let her sing before an integrated audience in Constitution Hall. Through President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s intervention, she received redemption on April 9 the same year, Easter Sunday, no less, by treating more than 75,000 people to her stunning vocal skills in an open-air concert. The Lincoln Memorial-situated breakthrough heightened her already robust reputation and has continued to amaze millions.

“And I’m proud to be one of them,” Burton-Lyles said of her musical peer, whose birthplace on the 1800 block of Webster Street she owned for a brief period last decade. “Marian was possessive of such a unique voice and character. It has given me great joy to be an advocate for her and to have the chance to discuss the spirit of communication through music.”

The connoisseur of melodies and warn personalities has made music her life’s calling, with her passionate-for-the-piano matriarch paving the way for her to fraternize with notable figures, including Anderson, for whom, through family connections, she would begin to perform by age 8. Following the immortal interpreter’s Academy of Music concerts, Burton-Lyles, already a commended artist, would delight Anderson and her friends, noting in the former an immense sense of ease.

“She made me feel so at home,” the raconteur said of the icon, who knew her as “Little Blanche” and who exhibited lasting curiosity in her progress as a Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University enrollee. “It was a delight to have her as a supporter.”

Burton-Lyles went on to offer similar guidance over a three-decades-long career with the School District of Philadelphia. Likewise blessed with intense ambition, she became the inaugural African American female pianist to receive a Bachelor of Music degree from Curtis and the first woman bearing such characteristics to perform with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Blending loves for classical and popular works and altruistic interests, she has collected numerous accolades, including the Shirley Chisholm and Mary McLeod Bethune awards and the Philadelphia 76ers Community Service plaudit. Though those have greatly registered with her, her most engrossing endeavor, the promotion of Anderson and the by-products of the singer’s efforts, has proven the most endearing.

“I would never state that people would have forgotten about Marian if not for me,” Burton-Lyles said. “She was someone who, though never seeking praise, truly deserved it. I’m just a conduit for her influence on us all, socially and creatively.”

Being that conductor has come to include touting the Marian Anderson Village, which consists of her worship site, Union Baptist Church, 1910 Fitzwater St., which Burton-Lyles also attends, Edwin Stanton School, 1700 Christian St., from which the singer graduated before matriculating at South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St., and an eponymous recreation center at 744 S. 17th St. She is striving to link those locations, the museum and Anderson’s birthplace through an educational pavilion, which the society’s website proclaims would produce an audio/visual interactive tour of the environs.

“We’re enthused about anything that can make people enthusiastic about Marian’s work,” Burton-Lyles said of the star, who died in ’93, aged 96, in Oregon. “We have to help people to see how phenomenal she was.”

Though Burton-Lyles played for Anderson, she never had a chance to accompany her for a performance. Come Saturday, though, she knows her friend will be present in spirit to motivate her.

“Her example has never withered from my heart,” she said. “I hope our ceremony can show just how cherished she is.”

Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.