East Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Marian Anderson

1897-1993

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 4, 2016

1. Marian Anderson Marker

Inscription. 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Women. In addition, it is included in the New York, New York City Historic Landmarks Preservation Center Cultural Medallions series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1939.

Location. 40° 47.473′ N, 73° 57.181′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in East Harlem. Marker is on Fifth Avenue near East 101st Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10029, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arthur Brisbane (within shouting distance of this marker); The New York Academy of Medicine (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line);

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1784 Seal (about 500 feet away); 1686 Seal (about 500 feet away); Museum of the City of New York (about 700 feet away); The Vanderbilt Gate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Maria Callas Birthplace (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . .
1. Marian Anderson. Wikipedia biography (Submitted on November 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Denied A Stage, She Sang For A Nation (NPR, 4/9/2014). (Submitted on October 10, 2016.)
3. Marian Anderson Sings at Lincoln Memorial (Youtube.com, 80secs.). (Submitted on October 10, 2016.)
4. Marian Anderson and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). The DAR makes amends. (Submitted on October 10, 2016.)

Marian Anderson Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 4, 2016

2. Marian Anderson Marker - Wide View

Marian Anderson and Abraham Lincoln image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Harris & Ewing, April 9, 1939

3. Marian Anderson and Abraham Lincoln

Full title is: Negro contralto and the great emancipator. Washington, D.C., April 9. Not since Shirley Temple visited Washington last year has anybody been photographed before the sculpture of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial here. Here is Marian Anderson, singer, who gave an open air concert before the Memorial this afternoon after a high school and DAR auditorium had been refused her, standing before the dramatic statue of the man who freed her race, 4-9-39 Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Marian Anderson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger Smith, January 6, 1943

4. Marian Anderson

Full title is: Marian Anderson mural dedicated. Marian Anderson, noted contralto, sings "The Star Spangled Banner" at the dedication of a mural commemorating her free public concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, 1939. The dedication was held in the Department of Interior Auditorium before a distinguished audience on January 6, 1943. Miss Anderson is holding a bouquet of roses presented to her by Negro high school cadets who served as ushers at the ceremony. Secretary of Interior Ickes accepted the mural for the government Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 462 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 10, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.