As Doris and I discussed on today’s show ( WCPT820 radio- 3-4 p.m.) they have just opened the August Wilson House in Pittsburg Pa. This house was the one that he was raised in and has been restored from bottom to top as a Historical Landmark for the people of “The Hill District”.
Back in the 1960’s when the Hill District was going through changes, this particular house and the land on which it sits was saved from renewal and in 2007, the house and land were declared a Historical Pennsylvania site, meaning, it can be restored, but not demolished.
This was his boyhood home. His family resided in two of the rooms. The rooms will act as a museum dedicated to Wilson’s memory. The goal for the rest of the building is to become a creative space in The Hill District for young artists to congregate and learn their craft. Wilson had always said that he did not want a museum to honor him, but in fact a building that would be “useful” for the survival of the community.
The house is located at 1727 Bedford Avenue in Pittsburgh website www.augustwilsonhouse.org
The Hill District is a unique bit of history when it comes to creative expression. Wilson was considered . He has been called “Theater’s poet of Black America”. note: he was in fact bi-racial.
They building has been restored for structure and is now getting the interior done so the public will be able to visit very soon.
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