Located on 7101 Apple Street, Homewood Neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA.
The story of 7101 Apple Street is more than the story of a building. It is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of African Americans who, in the face of systemic exclusion, created their own pathways to artistic excellence.
When Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in 1941, she was not simply starting an opera company, she was declaring that Black voices belonged on the world's greatest stages. In an era when African American singers were barred from most operatic opportunities, Dawson created a space where they could train, perform, and flourish.
Today, as we work to restore this historic landmark, we are not just preserving bricks and mortar. We are honoring the legacy of those who came before us and ensuring that future generations can learn from, be inspired by, and continue their work.
The Queen Anne style home was built.
Purchased by Pittsburgh's 1st African American millionaire William “Woogie” Harris.
Became an African American cultural haven offering lodging to Black celebrities who couldn't gain access to local hotels in Pittsburgh at the time.
Harris rented the 3rd floor to Mary Cardwell Dawson, who founded the National Negro Opera Company in 1941. For 21 years, she trained students including jazz piano giant Ahmad Jamal and Broadway performer Napoleon Reed.
Dawson died on March 19th and the NNOC folded shortly after due to continued financial instability.
William Harris dies leaving the property to his wife Ada.
Ada Harris died and the house fell into neglect.
The property earned a Pennsylvania State Historical Marker.
The property was purchased by Jonnet Solomon and the late Miriam White with the intention of restoring the historic property.
The National Opera House was granted tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.
May 3, 2007 Historical Marker is rededicated.
The property was designated a Pittsburgh City Historic Landmark.
February 26, 2009 Premiere of the WQED Documentary.
Library of Congress adds the National Negro Opera Company Collection, 1931-1989.
Named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual list. Grants followed from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, AW Mellon Foundation, and former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.
Solomon established the National Opera House 501(c)(3) to manage the restoration. RK Mellon Grant $500,000, AACHAF Grant $75,000, AW Mellon Grant $500,000, Burke Foundation Grant.
Contractors began stabilizing the structure; stabilization completed December 20, 2022. National campaign launched to raise an additional $2 million.
Oral history project in collaboration with CAPA high school.
NC Music Hall of Fame honored Mary Cardwell Dawson; “Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson in Pittsburgh” premiered, starring Alyson Cambridge.
Every gift helps preserve the place where this story was written, and keeps it from being lost.
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