Tryon, North Carolina — For Dr. Samuel Waymon, revisiting his childhood home has been an emotional journey filled with nostalgia and pride. The home once shared with his famous sister, renowned singer and civil rights advocate Nina Simone, has undergone a remarkable transformation after years of neglect. At 81, Waymon found joy in returning to the restored space, where vivid memories of family and music came flooding back.
The three-room house, which previously stood in decay for more than two decades, has been lovingly revitalized. Its exterior gleams in fresh white paint, while inside, remnants of its history blend seamlessly with modern touches. Notable features include a mint-blue wall adorned with a shadow box that displays the home’s vintage varnish and a fragment of linoleum from the Great Depression era, preserved like a piece of art amidst contemporary design.
Waymon expressed profound gratitude for the restoration, stating, “Standing on that porch, walking into the rooms, I feel transported back in time. This is a real monument to our family’s past.” The home, where Simone, born Eunice Waymon, spent her early years, is a poignant symbol of Black cultural heritage.
In 2017, four Black artists united to purchase the home for $95,000, reflecting a commitment to uphold Black history. The artists—Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, and Ellen Gallagher—believe that investing in such sites is crucial, particularly in light of contemporary societal challenges. This restoration comes at a time when the portrayal of Black contributions to American history is facing limitations, sparking concern among historians and advocates.
The project, which concluded on September 1, marks the culmination of several years of planning and fundraising efforts, totaling nearly $850,000. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF) oversaw the renovations, aiming to create a cultural district around the home that will open to the public by 2027.
“Preserving the homes of cultural icons is vital for future generations to understand their significance,” said Tiffany Tolbert, senior director of preservation at AACHAF. “Nina Simone’s home provides valuable insights into the African American experience, particularly during the mid-20th century.”
Pendleton first learned about the home in 2016 through a museum curator, which set him on a path toward its preservation. Counter to initial thoughts of finding another organization to take charge, he realized that the responsibility lay with him and his colleagues. He recalled the powerful sentiment in a poem that inspired him to act: “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”
After purchasing the property, the collective dedicated themselves to ensuring its preservation. This involved meticulous research and restoration efforts based on historical documentation, aiming to retain the home’s original character while enhancing its structural integrity.
As part of a broader vision, the AACHAF and collaborating organizations aim to integrate the surrounding neighborhood into future programming. Events at the home are anticipated to not only celebrate Simone’s legacy but also serve as a creative hub for artists and community members alike.
Waymon, now the last surviving sibling of Simone, plans to keep her memory alive through a forthcoming album that remixes one of her classic songs, blending their voices across time. “If Nina were here today, I believe she would be deeply moved by what we have done,” he added, reflecting on the ongoing impact of her legacy.
In restoring this cherished household, the community has built a tangible connection to the past, while ensuring that future generations will also have a space to reflect on and learn about the rich cultural tapestry that figures like Simone helped weave into the fabric of American history.
