Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Stage for All
Bascom Hill Historic District
Photographed by William J. Toman, July 4, 2010
1. A Stage for All Marker
Not long after she was denied permission to perform in the D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., because she was African-American, famous singer Marian Anderson found welcome at the University of Wisconsin. She sang at the Memorial Union in 1939, headlining the inaugural season of performances in the Wisconsin Union Theater, the first cultural center to be opened in a university union. Over the years, the theater established itself as a showcase for great performers from all cultures, including such luminaries as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Paul Robeson.
This historic marker is made possible by a grant from the UW Foundation
Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 43° 4.566′ N, 89° 24.028′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is at the intersection of North Park Street and Langdon Street, on the right when traveling north on North Park Street. The marker was at the southwest corner of the Memorial Union on the University
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Science Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Leaders in Science (within shouting distance of this marker); A Living Room for Campus (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); On the Air (about 300 feet away); State Historical Society (about 300 feet away); Armory & Gymnasium (about 600 feet away); Securing the Future (about 600 feet away); A Grand Experiment (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
More about this marker. This marker is part of a series commemorating the sesquicentennial of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Photographed by William J. Toman, June 19, 2015
2. A Stage for All marker in its new location
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou
3. A Stage for All Marker
Photographed by William J. Toman, June 19, 2015
4. A Stage for All Marker
The marker is at the lower left, and the Memorial Union is in the background.
Photographed by William J. Toman, July 4, 2010
5. Exterior of the Union Theater
Photographed by William J. Toman, July 4, 2010
6. View from the Deck outside the Union Theater
The deck overlooks the Union Terrace and Lake Mendota.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,249 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 16, 2015, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 20, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on September 19, 2016, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5, 6. submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
