The Paul Robeson House, located at 4951 Walnut Street is the last home of Paul Robeson legendary African American scholar, athlete actor, singer and human rights activist. The house is recognized as an African American historic site and tourist destination of both national and international importance. The Paul Robeson House is listed as a historical site by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission.

WHO WAS PAUL ROBESON?

"This amazing man, this great intellect, this magnificent genius with his overwhelming love of humanity is a devastating challenge to a society built on hypocrisy, greed and profit-seeking at the expense of commmon humanity." - The New York Times

For his steadfast commitment to his social conscience, Paul Robeson - activist, scholar, artist, athlete - was shunted from the center of America's cultural stage to its wings. For a generation, his memory was obscured and his achievements forgotten, but the centennial of his 1898 birth has sparked new debate about his place in our history. The spotlight that once again shines on this Rutgers alumnus illuminates a rich legacy - a man of fierce dignity striving against immense adversity. (From www.rutgers.edu/robeson)

WHAT DOES THE HOUSE PROJECT ENTAIL?

1. Restoration of the Robeson House as an interpretative center and historical house with a reference library, public zoning, retail space and elevator access.

2. Development of the Paul Robeson Memorial Park at 5001-5005 Walnut Street.

3. Development and implementation of the exhibition, 'From These Roots," education and cultural programs Mich promote the Paul Robeson legacy, and Centennial programs to occur within the 1998-99 Centennial Year.

WHAT TASKS ARE REQUIRED TO GET IT DONE?

1) Planning: Organizational Plan (Funded by the William Penn Foundation)

2) Historical Assessment (The Preservation Alliance) - Facilities/Museum Plan/RFP for Architects (funded by the Cultural Facilities Fund) - National Register Nomination - Museum Archive Policy and Exhibition Design - Marketing and Tourism * Capital Campaign

*Capital Project Management Oversee design and construction phase

*Capital Campaign Management: WPCA has assembled core prospects for its capital campaign committee. A WPCA representative would be asked to sit on that committee, assist in identifying economic development and community development funding sources, and provide grant administration services.

*Program Development and Implementation: Provided by WPCA.