The restoration of Nina Simone’s childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina, has recently garnered significant national attention from major media outlets, including Architectural Digest and Good Morning America. Located at 30 E. Livingston St., this historic three-room, 650-square-foot house was where Simone, originally named Eunice Kathleen Waymon, spent her formative years. Thanks to a dedicated group of artists, the property is being revitalized not only as a structure but also as an important cultural landmark.
A collective of prominent artists, including Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, and Ellen Gallagher, has led the renovation efforts. Their mission goes beyond mere restoration; they aim to enhance the historical significance of the home. Dr. Sam Waymon, Nina Simone’s brother and Senior Adviser on the project, emphasized the personal and cultural importance of restoring their childhood residence.
“The restoration and preservation of Nina’s birthplace is Black American history of which I too am a part,” Dr. Waymon stated. “I also lived in that house, and as the youngest, it holds such extraordinary memories of Nina, our parents, and my other siblings. It keeps my feet planted solid on those grounds. Knowledge! Of what she endured. The piano lessons. The joy. The discipline. The discovery of her gifted talent was all recorded in those walls. It’s an honor to share this with the world as she would have wanted me to do.”
Preserving Heritage and Fostering Community
The restoration process has involved meticulous work, including repairing the historic clapboard exterior and modernizing the interiors to ensure safety and accessibility. Key architectural elements have been preserved to maintain the home’s authenticity. In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the project envisions the home as a vibrant site for artistic performances and community programs. This transformation aims to create a living museum where visitors can explore Nina Simone’s life and the broader context of African American history.
With the finishing touches nearing completion, plans for a grand opening are set for 2026. This event will likely include announcements regarding future programs and initiatives aimed at celebrating Simone’s legacy and promoting cultural education.
The impact of this restoration extends beyond the physical structure; it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural landmarks and the stories associated with them. As the project progresses, it continues to inspire conversations about heritage, identity, and the influence of artists like Nina Simone on American culture.
