MoDH Executive Director Patrick Mucklow was invited to speak to the legislative committee of the Board of the Durham Regional Association of REALTORS® on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of the Frank Ward Speaker Series, held in the Frank A. Ward Community Room at DRAR headquarters.

Patrick shared highlights of Durham’s history, from the Native Americans who inhabited what is now Durham County through the Civil War, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights era, and more recent times.  He shared some lesser-known stories that clients and new residents might find interesting.  For example, did you know that Durham might have been named Prattsburg…except that a certain Mr. William Pratt demanded an exorbitant price for his land, so North Carolina Railroad officials bought land from his neighbor, Dr. Bartlett Durham, instead.  And the rest, as they say, is history!

A lively Q&A followed the presentation, with participants offering their own stories and reflections on aspects of Durham history that weren’t covered.  The conversation made clear just how deeply Durhamites care about the place they call home—and how everyone has something to add to the story.

To Love and Live Free is the Museum’s current main exhibit (through October 11, 2026)

Frank Ward (1928–2010) was a lifelong Durham resident who owned and operated Frank Ward Realtors on Duke Street from 1964 until his death. History and civic engagement were important to him, and he was an early advocate for establishing a history museum in Durham. Although he did not live to see the Museum of Durham History open in 2013, we know he would be a proud supporter—especially as we look toward creating a larger Museum in the future.

The Museum is grateful to Shelia Willis, Chief Executive Officer of DRAR, who welcomed us to the meeting on behalf of the Legislative Committee and other members.  We appreciate that Carver Weaver, a Museum fan who had worked with Shelia many years ago on the Make It Durham! program, was willing to connect us with DRAR and share about her work at the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce recruiting new Triangle residents to Durham.