“To be free—to walk the good American earth as equal citizens, to live without fear, to enjoy the fruits of our toil, to give our children every opportunity in life—that dream which we have held so long in our hearts is today the destiny that we hold in our hands.”
stories from the paul robeson house
Hear personal narratives from those whose lives have been touched by this Renaissance man.  LISTEN >

WE WELCOME YOU
You’re invited to join the countless visitors from around the world who have explored the life, legacy and remarkable achievements of Paul Robeson in the home where he spent the last ten years of his life. 

You will experience:

  • A guided tour by a trained docent while listening to songs recorded by Paul Robeson
  • A brief video presentation of the Robeson House mission
  • From These Roots, an exhibition about his activism and life, curated by historian Charles L. Blockson and designed by Frank L. Stephens, Jr., developed during the 1998 centenary of Robeson’s birth
  • His upstairs living quarters featuring the Robeson Family Portraits by artist Cal Masey
  • The reading room where a special exhibit “Artist in Exile” with photographs by Thomas B. Morton, curated by the Philadelphia Folklore Project, (www.folkloreproject.org) is on view.
  • You will also receive related literature and handouts.

The Paul Robeson House is currently undergoing restoration, but From These Roots will continue to be available for tours.   

Admission
Adults: $5.00
Children: $4.00
Groups (10 or more): $3.00

Scheduling Tours
Tours are scheduled daily, Monday through Sunday, by appointment.  For information on tours, special events, programs and rentals, please call 215-747-4675 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  The House may also be reserved for meetings and receptions.  

COMMUNITY DESTINATION
The Robeson House is a place of great pride for the community and has become a cherished destination for listening to live concerts, watching films, book discussions, playing chess, socializing and sharing stories. 

Recent programs have included:

  • Reading in Concert, book discussion, "Mitchell & Ruff: An American Profile in Jazz" by William Zinsser, co-sponsored by Art Sanctuary
  • "Tea Talk and Tour: "Something to Talk About," a discussion with book publisher, Paul Dry. co-hosted by Page Turner's Book Club 
  • Paul Robeson Camp: Art and Literacy
  • Jazz in the Garden
  • "Preserving African American Historic Sites" presented by James and Charlotte Brown, President and Vice Chair of the Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation
  • Adult Writer's Academy
  • Chess Club

For information on upcoming programs, please call 215-747-4675

CONTACT US
The Paul Robeson House
West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
4949/4951 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-747-4675
info@paulrobesonhouse.org
Frances Aulston, President and CEO
Jacqui Simmons, Office Manager

MAP
http://www.ucityphila.org/cityguide/mapit/208