Imagine stepping into a time capsule, a place where history and legacy intertwine. This is the story of Nina Simone's childhood home, a humble abode that has undergone a remarkable transformation.
A Journey Back in Time
Dr. Samuel Waymon, Nina Simone's youngest sibling, recently had an emotional reunion with his childhood home. As an award-winning composer, Waymon's memories flooded back, recalling the days of playing the organ and cooking with his mother on the potbelly stove. The joy on his face was palpable as he spotted the large tree from his youth, still standing tall in the yard.
Simone, born Eunice Waymon, lived in this 650 sq ft, three-room home with her family from 1933 to 1937. After years of decay, the home has been given a new lease of life, painted white with subtle hints of its former self.
"It's like time travel," Waymon said, his voice filled with emotion. "Standing in that house, I feel the joy and the spirit of my childhood. It's a powerful experience."
Preserving Black History
But here's where it gets controversial... In an era where the federal government is allegedly trying to diminish the contributions of Black Americans, this restoration project takes on a deeper meaning. A presidential executive order has halted spending on race-based programs at the Smithsonian Institution, leaving many to question the future of Black history preservation.
Enter four Black artists - Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, and Ellen Gallagher - who collectively purchased the home for $95,000 in 2017. For them, it was a statement: Black history is worth investing in. And they're not alone in this belief.
Tiffany Tolbert, the senior director for preservation at the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF), emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural sites within the Black community. "It's about understanding our roots, our icons, and the African American experience as a whole," she said. "Having these homes as living, breathing museums enhances our understanding of the past and ensures we never forget."
A Labor of Love
The rehabilitation process was no small feat. After years of planning and fundraising, the home was finally restored in September 2025, with nearly $850,000 invested in materials, construction, and engineering costs. The AACHAF oversaw the project, working closely with a consulting team and the local Tryon community to develop a long-term management plan.
"What I love is that they preserved the essence of the house," Waymon said. "You can feel the energy and spirit of Nina Simone when you step inside. It's a powerful connection to the past."
The AACHAF's work doesn't stop there. They've also been involved in preserving the homes of jazz greats like John Coltrane and Louis Armstrong, ensuring their legacies live on.
A Future Vision
And this is the part most people miss... The restoration of Nina Simone's childhood home is just the beginning. The AACHAF and the consulting team are working with St. Luke's CME church, where Simone's mother preached, to incorporate the surrounding East Side neighborhood into future programming. Pendleton envisions the home as a place of reflection and inspiration, a mechanism to propel history forward.
"If Nina were here today, she'd be amazed and grateful," Waymon said. "This restoration keeps her memory alive, and I'm honored to be a part of it."
As we look to the future, the question remains: How can we ensure the preservation of cultural sites like Nina Simone's childhood home? What role do privately funded projects play in safeguarding our history? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
