(S1E3) Preservation for the People: Friends of the Tanner House

On this episode of Black Preservation Stories, we focus on Friends of the Tanner House in Philadelphia, who, since December 2021, have rallied to save the childhood home of artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, known for The Banjo Lesson and The Thankful Poor. In 2023, they launched a community-driven visioning process for restoration, programming, and stewardship to transform the house into a vibrant cultural center. Co-coordinator Christopher Rogers joins me to trace their journey—from grassroots coalition to nonprofit, from initial stabilization to plans for exhibitions, workshops, and public events—and explore how centering people over policy can spark intergenerational connections. Join us as we ask: How can preserving a historic home empower an entire community?

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