The Scott Joplin House opened as a Missouri State Historic site on this date in 1991. Scott Joplin was a Black composer of Ragtime jazz in the early 20th century.
What is now a Landmark site was home to Joplin and his bride, Belle Haden. Joplin was listed in the St. Louis directory at 2658A Delmar Blvd. Eight of his compositions, including "The Entertainer," were published that year from that location. The restored structure houses exhibits of material on Joplin's life and work and a music room with a player piano and piano rolls. Joplin's apartment has been restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance.
Joplin's Morgan Street home had been designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976. The home's turn-of-the-century appearance has been restored, including a room for musical performances, displays centering on Joplin's life and music, and a gallery of displays related to African American history and culture.
