Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield (1809-1876)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Greenfield, who lived here, was one of the 19th century's leading singers, known as the "Black Swan" because of her great vocal range. Her performances were hailed in the U.S. and in England where she sang before the Queen.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, who lived at this site, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most acclaimed concert singers of the 19th century. Dubbed the "Black Swan" for her extraordinary vocal range, she won praise across the United States and in England, where she performed before Queen Victoria. She broke barriers as a Black woman commanding the concert stage in an era of deep racial prejudice.
Why it matters
Greenfield was a pioneering African American concert artist whose international acclaim challenged 19th-century assumptions about race, gender, and the arts.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House0.6 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.6 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.6 mi away
- Philosophical Hall0.6 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.3 mi away · Christian Street
- Liberty Bell0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.7 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.7 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.7 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.4 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.4 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.5 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.5 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.2 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.4 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.4 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.4 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.5 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield
Themes & tags
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