The great American spent his last years at this house
The Experience
Detailed and life-size images of Robeson at various stages of his intriguing life are displayed on a huge folding panel that stretches almost the circumference of the first floor. Designed by Frank Stephens with historian Charles Blockson serving as curator, the 10-panel exhibition is a collage of photos showing Robeson as a youngster, social activist, athlete, actor, scholar and world-renowned singer.
The second floor features the room where Robeson slept and spent much of his time and other areas dedicated to lectures and archival information. Designed by well-known architect E.A. Wilson and built in 1911, this classic Philadelphia row house is administered by West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance which features lectures, study groups, book signings and other activities at the site.
History
Born to Maria Louisa Bustill and William Drew Robeson on April 9, 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, Paul Leroy Robeson was acclaimed, although persecuted because of his political and social beliefs. In 1923 he graduated from Columbia with a law degree; in 1930 he starred in Othello; from 1933-1942 he starred in The Emperor Jones, Show Boat and Native Land. In 1966, he retired to the Philadelphia home of his sister, Marian Forsythe where he lived until his death in 1976. Today, the home is a National Historic Landmark.