About the Museum

The Museum of Durham History began to take shape in 2004 when Durham's Cultural Master Plan rated a history museum one of the community's highest priorities.

The plan noted "an array of programs in various historic sites and a number of walking tours. What is missing is a centrally located facility that can knit all these elements together into a coherent story of Durham's past and its relevance to the present." The Plan noted that a history museum "is one idea that virtually everyone is in agreement on … It is time to make it a reality!"

Advisory Committee forms

Jane Goodridge, past president of Preservation Durham, pulled together a group involved in heritage-related activities. That group was formalized as the Durham History Advisory Committee in 2008.

With Cultural Master Plan funding, the advisory committee contracted Riggs Ward museum consultants to conduct a Durham History Museum Preliminary Feasibility Study, which was completed in 2008. That study underscored the community's widespread support for a Durham history museum.

Quickly following up on the study's recommendation, the committee filed articles of incorporation and secured federal tax-exempt status. The first board of directors and officers were installed in 2009, and Dr. Tom Krakauer was elected president.

The museum's board and officers represent a broad spectrum of Durham's cultural and business communities. A growing number of community volunteers lend their support to specific Museum efforts.

Museum moves ahead

Since incorporating, the museum has commissioned a set of banners celebrating the arts in Durham, developed a brochure, launched a Web site and e-newsletter, and initiated work on the nation's first "gazetteer" of city streets and schools. A celebration of a Century of Durham Music is being planned.

The museum's goal is to establish a comprehensive facility to serve as a hub for the many spokes of Durham's rich history. A dedicated corps of volunteers is working toward that goal even before having buildings or staff.

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