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 ) 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, and perform around the world.
The National Marian Anderson Museum
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Museum Hours: The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum is
currently available for Visitors Tours from 10am - 4pm Monday through Saturday.
Large Groups that wish to make an appointment to Tour the Museum please call our
offices @ (215) 779-4219
For Groups of 10 or More Please email our offices your request @ marianandersonhistoricsociety@gmail.com
Click on the Museum Tours Page at the Top of the Website!!!
currently available for Visitors Tours from 10am - 4pm Monday through Saturday.
Large Groups that wish to make an appointment to Tour the Museum please call our
offices @ (215) 779-4219
For Groups of 10 or More 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 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 |
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. |
