The Friends of the Tanner House

The possibilities for the Tanner House represent the growth, development, and rich cultural life of Black North Philadelphia — a community of which the greater Tanner family was part of, and which continues to evolve and thrive.

The Friends of the Tanner House, Inc, is an organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the historic Tanner family property at 2908 W. Diamond St. Through our heritage stewardship, the Friends of the Tanner House honors the growth, development and sustenance of the rich Black cultural life of North Philadelphia with family-centered artistic, intellectual, and cultural programming.

The Friends of The Tanner House Launched in December 2021

Recognizing the importance of the Henry O. Tanner House in not only art history, but also Philadelphia history, an all-volunteer group of local African-American preservation advocates came together to spearhead preservation efforts for the house. The group, now known as the Friends of The Henry O. Tanner House, including beloved community advocates such as (in alphabetical order):

(c. 1920). Mary L. Tanner Mossell Family, c. 1920. [Digital Images]. Retrieved from https://library.artstor.org/asset/27538660

  • President, DHEx Enterprises, and Co-Founder, Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets (SPPAAA)

  • Atlanta-based, Award-Winning and Internationally Recognized Artist & Filmmaker; Master of Light (HBO)

  • Republican Leader for the 16th Ward, Docent & Historical Researcher for Church of the Advocate

  • Historic Preservationist, Community Advocate, Real Estate Broker

  • Program Director, Paul Robeson House & Museum; Ph.D Candidate, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

  • Wiggins Tours and More, Longtime African-American Preservation Advocate in Philadelphia