Paul Robeson House facts for kids
Paul Robeson House
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4951 Walnut Street (2009)
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Location | 4951 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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NRHP reference No. | 00001345 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | November 22, 2000 |
Designated NHL | November 22, 2000 |
The Paul Robeson House was the home of Paul Robeson from 1966 until 1976. Paul Robeson was a very famous American singer, actor, athlete, and a strong voice for human rights. This house is located in West Philadelphia. Today, the Paul Robeson House helps people of all ages learn about Robeson's amazing life. It does this by hosting talks, concerts, and special exhibits.
Who Was Paul Robeson?
Paul Robeson was born in 1898. He became famous around the world for many talents. He was a powerful singer with a deep voice. He also acted in movies and on stage. Robeson was a great athlete too, playing football in college. He was even named an All-American. Besides his artistic and athletic skills, he was a lawyer and spoke many languages. Most importantly, he was a strong activist for human rights. He fought for fairness and equality for everyone.
A Special Home in Philadelphia
Paul Robeson lived in this house in the Walnut Hill area of West Philadelphia. He moved there in 1966 and stayed until 1976. During these years, he lived with his sister, Marian Forsythe. Paul Robeson was getting older and spent his time in retirement. He mostly saw his family and a few close friends. He did not give many interviews during this period.
Saving History: The House Today
In 1998, a group called the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance started a big project. They wanted to fix up and restore the Paul Robeson House. This group was led by Ms. Frances Aulston. Their hard work paid off. The house was officially recognized as an important historical place. Both the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission and the White House gave it this special honor.
The Paul Robeson House became a National Historic Landmark in 2000. This means it is a very important place in American history. It was also part of a program called "Save America's Treasures." This program helps protect important historical and cultural sites for future generations. Today, the house continues to honor Paul Robeson's legacy. It hosts many events like lectures, concerts, and exhibits. These events help people learn about his life and his fight for justice.