PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After suffering substantial damage from a flood in 2020, Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum is slowly but surely getting to its original form.
Sitting there on Martin Street in Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood, blending in with the rows of residential homes, lies what was once the home of famed Black opera singer and Philly native Marian Anderson. Transformed into a museum in 1998, the home now holds some of Anderson’s most prized possessions.
Jillian Patricia Pirtle serves as the CEO of the museum. She says most days she shares the space not with patrons — but with workmen, as repairs continue to be made throughout the house from the extensive flood damage, estimated at more than $500,000.
“We have stood the storm and we’re so grateful for those who have stood with us,” she said.
Anderson bought the three-story home in 1924 and transformed it into an entertainment hub, using the space to entertain her musician friends and others in between world tours.
Pirtle says the museum is nearing the end of phase two of the three phases of historical restorations. Things such as a roof replacement, brick repointing, and floor restoration are still in the works.
Phase three will be putting the jigsaw back together — and that means securing funds. Pertile recently learned that much-needed funding would not be coming from the City. However, she says contributions from the community have been helping with repairs.
“You can see the restoration that has taken place,” she said. “Getting rid of the mold on the walls from the flooding, the plastering, the original floor restoration work to the hardwood floors that Marian Anderson laid in 1924 to full restoration.”
We reached out to the Office of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas about possible funding and they issued a statement saying in part:
“Marian Anderson Historical Society & Museum is a treasure of the past, a cultural icon of today, and a staple of Philadelphia's future - we encourage all to get involved with this critical piece of history and culture.”
Information on the museum and how to donate is on their website.