I am proud to announce that the historic Porgy House on Folly Beach has been honored with national coverage in The New York Times, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate this culturally important landmark.

This recognition is the result of extensive efforts by local advocates, historians, and preservationists who have dedicated countless hours to protecting the legacy of the Porgy House. The property, long associated with George Gershwin’s iconic opera Porgy and Bess, represents a vital piece of American cultural and musical history.

The article explores the uncertain fate of the historic home in Folly Beach, South Carolina, where DuBose & Dorothy Heyward, co-author of the opera “Porgy and Bess,” once lived. The opera, created with composer George Gershwin, is a foundational work in American musical history, rooted in the African American experience in Charleston’s Catfish Row in the 1930’s.

Preservationists believe that the house is a vital cultural landmark representing African American heritage and artistic legacy. However, its preservation is complicated by a lack of formal protections. This national coverage underscores the importance of our mission and helps raise awareness about the need to preserve sites that tell the story of our shared heritage.

Read the full article here:

Opera History Was Made in This House. It’s Future Is Uncertain.

The Porgy House stands not only as a physical reminder of a significant era in American arts and culture but also as a symbol of the community’s commitment to honoring its historical roots. The feature in The New York Times brings national attention to the ongoing preservation efforts, inviting wider public support and engagement. With increased awareness, advocates hope to secure further resources and partnerships to maintain the site for future generations.

I am proud to represent the owner in the search for the next steward of the property. For more information about the Porgy House and ongoing preservation efforts, or to join our cause, please contact me here: [email protected]