In the small town of Tryon, the childhood home of the legendary musician and civil rights icon Nina Simone stands fully restored, though it remains closed to visitors for now. This restoration milestone was announced by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a branch of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Nina Simone, originally Eunice Waymon, was born in 1933 and spent her formative years in this modest three-room house. Her journey from this 650-square-foot home to becoming an internationally renowned artist is a testament to her talent and determination. Efforts to preserve the house have been ongoing for over ten years, leading to its eventual purchase in 2017 by New York artists Adam Pendleton, Ellen Gallagher, Julie Mehretu, and Rashid Johnson, marking a crucial point in its preservation history as reported by BPR.
Following the acquisition, the artists collaborated with the Action Fund to spearhead a multiyear restoration project, focusing on both the preservation of the home and the development of a sustainable future plan for the site.
The restoration project aimed to maintain the house’s historic authenticity by using original materials and finishes appropriate to the era. Modern updates included the installation of an ADA-compliant access ramp and an energy-efficient geothermal system, ensuring the site remains peaceful and eco-friendly. Additionally, the restoration team worked on the surrounding property, reviving the dirt yard, marking the foundations of outbuildings, and preserving a nearly century-old magnolia tree.
Despite the completion of these efforts, the home is not yet ready to welcome the public. Instead of operating as a conventional house museum, the next steps involve discussions with the local community, preservationists, and Simone’s family to decide on its future use. These discussions aim to shape plans for cultural heritage tourism that honors the legacy of Simone and the history of Tryon’s historically Black East Side neighborhood.
Preserving this home is part of a larger movement to save sites significant to Black history and culture, many of which face the threat of being lost forever.
Samuel Waymon, Nina Simone’s brother, expressed the emotional significance of the project in the news release, stating, “Preserving our home preserves the piano lessons, the joy, the discipline and the discovery of her gifted talent all recorded in those walls.”
As of now, there is no announced timeline for when the home will open to the public. Updates on programming and access will follow as ongoing planning efforts with the Tryon community continue. Watch the video tour of the restored house.
