Nina Simone's childhood home in North Carolina has been renovated into a tribute to the singer's life.

The childhood home of the legendary Nina Simone has been lovingly restored into a historic landmark that pays tribute to her extraordinary life as both an activist and a singer. Located in the charming town of Tryon, North Carolina, the home was given a new lease on life thanks to the efforts of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a division of the renowned National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through their collaboration, the once-neglected 650-square-foot, three-room clapboard house that Nina - born Eunice Kathleen Waymon - called home during her early years, has been transformed into a beautiful memorial that celebrates her incredible legacy. Originally built in the early 1900s, this iconic home had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of being demolished. However, in 2016, a group of passionate artists known as DayDream Therapy, LLC stepped in to save the historic property. Working hand in hand with the action fund, they set out to reimagine the home and create a new vision for it. Alongside Nina's brother, Dr. Samuel Waymon, members of Tryon's East Side neighborhood, and the very church where Nina's mother was a minister, they lovingly brought the house back to life. While the restoration of the home does not include Nina's personal belongings, it does feature a historically accurate reimagining of what it would have looked like during the 1930s, the time period when she lived there. Visitors will soon have the opportunity to step back in time and experience the house as it was during Nina's formative years. This incredible project, which officially began in 2024, was recently completed this year, thanks in part to a fundraising gala led by tennis superstar Venus Williams and artist Adam Pendleton. Aside from preserving the physical structure of Nina's childhood home, this project also aims to further legitimize her place in American culture and history. While it is not yet open to the public, the house will serve as a powerful symbol of the impact that Nina had on the world through her music and activism. Brent Leggs, the executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, perfectly sums up the importance of this restoration project: "Preservation is an expression of what we choose to honor, and Nina Simone’s childhood home is an essential landmark in our nation’s artistic and cultural landscape. The restoration of her home affirms her rightful place in the American story - one defined by brilliance, resilience, and the power of art to shape our collective conscience. We are proud to have worked with a coalition of national and local partners who have dedicated their expertise and resources to preserve this site of extraordinary significance to our nation." Known as the "High Priestess of Soul," Nina Simone was not only recognized for her incredible vocal abilities but also for her unwavering dedication to promoting civil rights. Her pioneering spirit and powerful voice made her a legend in the world of blues and social justice. And now, with the restoration of her childhood home, she will have a new place to be celebrated and honored. In keeping with Nina's values of equity and peace, the home will feature a preservation-compliant ADA ramp to ensure that people of all abilities can visit and explore the house. It will also have a geothermal heating and cooling system, providing a serene and comfortable space for visitors to reflect on Nina's remarkable journey. The property will even be home to a nearly 100-year-old Magnolia Tree, affectionately named "Sweetie Mae," which will remain a cherished part of the landscape. Upon its grand opening, the house will not only be a place for visitors to learn about Nina's life and legacy, but it will also serve as a hub for creative programming and events curated by local residents and members of DayDream Therapy. With its rich history and powerful message, Nina's childhood home will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.