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 year and older 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
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Museum Hours: The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum is
currently available for VIRTUAL 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 @ [email protected]
Click on the Museum Tours Page at the Top of the Website!!!
currently available for VIRTUAL 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 @ [email protected]
Click on the Museum Tours Page at the Top of the Website!!!
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THE NATIONAL MAHS NEWS LETTER
IN THE NEWS
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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 EmergencyGreetings 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
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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 [email protected] or ext. 124. |
