Today's DAR
I had the pleasure of joining with other Daughters from across the country to attend the celebrations of the Reopening of the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society in Philadelphia, PA. After 5 long years of repair following a 2020 flood, during which the National Society assisted through gifting funds for building and artifact repairs, the Marian Anderson Museum opened its doors to the public again on Saturday, March 1.
A Triumphant Reopening of the Marian Anderson Museum and Celebration of a National Treasure
It was an honor to be able to speak alongside municipal and community partners of the Museum during the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. I was proud to represent President General Pamela Wright, who has made celebrating the legacy of Marian Anderson an important part of her Administration. The crowd that gathered at the newly restored historic home heard remarks of celebration and commendation from Pennsylvania state leaders, City of Philadelphia local leaders, and from partners who assisted in the historical restoration of the house, such as the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.
After the ribbon cutting, all were welcomed in to see the restored home and tour the new exhibit on display. The festivities then concluded for the day, to be picked up again the next afternoon at the Marian Anderson Museum Reopening Gala Celebration!
DAR was proud to be the top sponsor of the gala and the evening was simply fabulous! Hosted in the Crystal Tea Ballroom at Philadelphia’s historic Wanamaker Building, more than 300 guests were treated to an evening of touching remarks, beautiful songs performed by the Marian Anderson Scholar Musicians, and inspirational videos of Marian Anderson throughout her life.
It was very special to bring greetings at the gala on behalf of the DAR to congratulate the Marian Anderson Museum on its reopening. I was also delighted to share with attendees how DAR honors Marian Anderson’s memory in myriad ways including our DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Fund and Scholarship, and through supporting institutions that work to preserve and tell the story of her remarkable life to all audiences. I was so grateful to be able to share this beautiful evening with fellow Daughters who travelled from near and far to attend.
The history of the DAR will forever be intertwined with Marian Anderson. We are very grateful that the impact she had on our nation also helped the DAR to recognize the need for change within our organization. Today, the DAR is proud to be one of the many representations of the positive influence Marian Anderson had on so many across our country!
Media stories that covered the reopening celebrations:
‘It’s been a long road’: Marian Anderson Museum reopens after flood damage
WHYY, 3/1/2025
Portraits of Philadelphia
Instagram, 3/1/2025
Instagram, 3/1/2025
Five years after flood, Marian Anderson Museum to reopen in South Philadelphia
Philadelphia Tribune, 2/27/2025
Marian Anderson Museum in Philadelphia reopens five years after flood
CBS Philadelphia, 3/4/2025
Restored Marian Anderson Museum opens to the public for first time since 2020 flood
KYW News Radio, 3/5/2025
WATCH: The Marian Anderson Museum reopens after flood caused it to close
Philadelphia Tribune, 3/2/2025
Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society reopens in South Philly years after flood
NBC10, 2/23/2025
