Marian Anderson House seeks funds to repair flood damage

Marian Anderson
A portrait of opera singer and civil rights activist Marian Anderson at the Marian Anderson House and Museum in South Philadelphia. Photo credit Mark Makela/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO of the Marian Anderson House and Museum, said this year has been a struggle for the museum — and the coronavirus pandemic was just the start.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to shut down like all the other historical sites,” she said. “I was checking on the museum when I noticed a shooshing sound, and I was met with rushing gusts of water.”

The Marian Anderson House in South Philadelphia was flooded this past summer.

“The main pipe that is attached to all the other pipes in the house burst,” Pirtle added, and the damage was extensive. “We were left with 3 ½ feet of standing water on the lower level and water damage on the first floor.

“We were left with over $40,000 in damage — the main heating blew, the main electrical system blew and its wiring.”

Even the original flooring installed in 1924 was damaged.

The historic house is struggling to stay afloat and is still in need of major restoration. Pirtle is asking the community for support by helping fund the repairs.

“We have raised half of our goal but we’re still trying to get to our full goal of $40,000. We’re trying to get the other half of the plumbing done and the flooring,” she said. “Everyone can help and people can see that what they are contributing to is not going in vain.”

The museum is also hosting six concerts this upcoming season in honor of Anderson’s 124th birthday.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Mark Makela/Getty Images