Marian Anderson
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Marian Anderson 1897-1993 In 1939, after the contralto was refused the use of Constitution Hall by the D.A.R. because of her race, she sang at the Lincoln Memorial for an audience of 75,000. The first African American to perform at The White House (1936), and to be a permanent member of the Metropolitan Opera Company (1955), lived here from 1958 to 1975. During that time, she served as an alternate delegate to the United Nations (1958).
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
The Story
The great contralto Marian Anderson lived here from 1958 to 1975, by then already an American icon. In 1939, after the Daughters of the American Revolution barred her from Constitution Hall because of her race, she sang instead before 75,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in a landmark moment for civil rights. She was the first African American to perform at the White House in 1936 and the first to become a permanent member of the Metropolitan Opera in 1955, and she later served as an alternate delegate to the United Nations.
Why it matters
Anderson broke racial barriers on the world's great stages, and her 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert became an enduring symbol of dignity in the face of segregation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery5.8 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art5.9 mi away
- Bureau5.9 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières6.0 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery6.1 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS6.3 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab5.4 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 85.7 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Cortlandt Alley5.7 mi away
- Dream house5.7 mi away
- Chinatown5.7 mi away
- Textile building5.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman6.8 mi away
- Sweetgreen6.8 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe6.8 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen6.8 mi away
- Bluestone Lane6.9 mi away
- Rumi Turkish Grill6.9 mi away
Places to stay
- Conrad6.2 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown6.3 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area6.4 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn6.4 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- DoubleTree6.4 mi away · 455 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
- Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City6.4 mi away · 21 2nd Street, Jersey City, NJ
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Marian Anderson
Themes & tags
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