To Love and Live Free: The 1986 Mayoral Recall Fight and the Origins of Durham Pride

The Museum is proud to announce our forthcoming exhibit, opening on Friday, May 15, 2026!

To Love and Live Free will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the “Out Today, Out To Stay” Pride march and the failed attempt to recall Mayor Wib Gulley in 1986 for his support of LGBTQ+ rights. It will tell how Durham found itself at a crossroads between tolerance and bigotry, showing how today’s inclusive Durham emerged through organizing, protest, and moral courage from citizens, faith leaders, business owners, and activists who united for equal rights—and won.

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Please consider a sponsorship donation to help do justice to the subject and create the best possible exhibit – if you respond BY APRIL 30, you’ll see your name listed at the Museum as a proud underwriter.

By supporting this exhibit, you are not just preserving history – you are making it accessible and engaging for all. Your contribution will allow us to:

* Showcase interactive and informative exhibits, including a traveling exhibit *

* Develop educational programs and organize monthly community events to accompany the exhibit *

* Curate historical images, media, and personal stories *

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To discuss benefits available at the sponsor levels shown below, please contact Treat Harvey at tharvey@modh.org or 919.246.9993, ext 4, BY APRIL 30.

 

 

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Photos Courtesy Of: 

Photo 1 (Banner): Durham County Library

Photo 2: Durham County Library

Photo 3: DNCR

Photo 4: North Carolina Collection