Current Exhibit – “Made In The Triangle: The Story of RTP”

 

 

The Museum of Durham History is excited to present our newest exhibit, Made In The Triangle: The Story of RTP.

This exhibit guides visitors through Research Triangle Park’s journey from the mid-20th century, when government, business, and academia united to transform North Carolina’s economy, to its emergence as a cutting-edge technology and research hub. Through archival materials, photographs, and oral histories, Made in the Triangle presents a more complete story of RTP’s development — one that commemorates innovation while confronting the local sacrifices that came with it. The exhibit also looks toward RTP’s future, as the Park adapts to a new era of urban tech, growth, and global collaboration.

 

Courtesy of RTI                                                                                                      Courtesy of NC Biotech

This exhibit attempts to present a more complete portrayal of RTP’s history, including the key players, how the Park grew, and how it affected local communities. Visit the Museum in person to learn more about how these businessmen and government officials brought together the local Universities to create a central location where technology and industry could flourish. Made In The Triangle doesn’t just focus on the successes of the Park, but also analyzes its shortcomings, like the role played by the Durham Freeway (Hwy 147), which dismantled Durham’s Black Wall Street and multiple historically Black neighborhoods, including the historic Hayti neighborhood.

 

Courtesy of Open Durham                                                                                            Courtesy of IBM

Though the Park navigated tumultuous relationships with local communities and struggled to gain support from the City of Durham, RTP grew significantly in the ensuing decades. The exhibit traces the Park’s history from its early years and struggles, to the flourishing research park that exists today, rivaling places like Boston and Silicon Valley. Discover the many inventions and technologies that came from companies within RTP, like anti-cancer drugs and UPC barcodes, to auditory brain stem implants, and technology for NASA.  Learn how the Park shaped local communities across decades and brought together the Triangle Region, as well as future plans for a more modern approach to research parks.

 

Courtesy of IBM                                                                                                   Courtesy of Burroughs-Wellcome

The Museum is proud to provide new kids’ activities for the exhibit, where our young history lovers (and adults alike) can explore history while having fun, hands-on learning experiences. Made In The Triangle boasts a kid-friendly section where your little ones can experience a microscope, lab play set, and more!

 

The Museum of Durham History extends its gratitude to the individuals and corporate sponsors whose support made Made in the Triangle possible, including:

 

Innovation Catalyst
Pillar of Progress

Circuit Starter

Marjorie and Skip Burton

Clark Nexsen, A JMT Company

C.T. Wilson Construction, Inc.

Duke Energy

Lenovo

Longfellow Real Estate Partners, LLC

Maxwell, Freeman & Bowman, PLLC

 

Lab Partner

Ginny and John Bowman

Jane and Chris Brasier

 

Code Collaborator

Deborah and James Dobbins

Jim and Barbara Wise

 

Data Builder

Beth Palmer Studio

Alice Sharpe

Yolanda Clemons

 

In addition to our sponsors, this exhibit is supported by the Durham Arts Council’s Annual Arts Fund and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

If you would like to support our RTP-based exhibit or upcoming exhibit-related programming, it’s not too late!  Please reach out to Director of Development Treat Harvey at tharvey@modh.org.