Preservation work underway to restore Nina Simone's childhood home in Polk County
POLK COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Preservation efforts are underway at the childhood home of Nina Simone in Polk County. The music icon and activist was born in Tryon in 1933.
“I hope that when people come to this site, they will be inspired by learning from her and really envisioning her going from this home in Tryon to the international icon that she is today,” said Tiffany Tolbert, senior director for Preservation of the African American Cultural Heritage Action fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, on Thursday, March 16.
Simone’s childhood home sits on Livingston Street, just a few minutes from downtown Tryon. A marker near the front door signals it is the birthplace of Eunice Waymon, Simone’s birth name.
NINA SIMONE PLAZA NEARS COMPLETION IN TRYON
“A place that not only interprets the history of Nina Simone and the Wayman family there in Tryon but also can serve as an inspiration for future generations of artists and activists that are inspired by the legacy of Nina Simone,” Tolbert said.
In 2017, the home was in danger of demolition before it was purchased by four artists from New York City. The group is working with the National Trust for Historic Places to restore the historic home.
MORE THAN $69K RAISED FOR PRESERVATION OF NINA SIMONE'S CHILDHOOD HOME
“Really seeing it as an interpreted space, which can happen in many different ways, both with digital and virtual media as well as on the grounds, but also as a place for programming for events, for musical performances,” Tolbert said.
NINA SIMONE REMEMBERED, CELEBRATED AT BIRTH PLACE IN TRYON
Construction is slated to begin this fall, with a possible opening next year. A benefit gala at the Pace Gallery in New York City is now planned for May 20. Tennis great Venus Williams with artist Adam Pendleton.
“To learn that this is the place that she came from, and it’s similar to many places that many people come from, and so you’re able to connect to her, to her experience in the early 20th century growing up in a segregated community,” Tolbert said.
She said local support in North Carolina and from around the country will help keep Simone’s life and legacy alive for future generations.
“So, hopefully, in the next few years, we’ll have a fully operational site," Tolbert said. "That is our intention, and we’re very excited to be pushing towards that.”
