As the Museum of Durham History reflects on more than a decade of sharing stories and building community, we honor those whose vision and determination made our existence possible. Among the most pivotal of those early champions was Tom Krakauer. Below, founding board members Jane Goodridge and Barker French pay tribute to Tom and recount his role in the Museum’s origin story. The MoDH began as an idea passed from generation to generation until the right people, with the right passion, came together at the right time.

Tom’s leadership and relentless energy transformed a long-held dream into a living institution. The work we do every day: collecting stories, fostering dialogue, connecting our past to our present, is a direct result of that early momentum. We are proud to stand on the foundation that Tom helped build, and deeply grateful for the community that continues to carry his vision forward.

— Patrick Mucklow | Executive Director

Celebration of life for Tom Krakauer Saturday, July 19 at 2 pm, in the Fassett Auditorium at Croasdaile Village, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Durham, NC. Reception to follow.

 Durham, for many years, was the largest city in North Carolina without a history museum. Periodically, starting in the 1940s, leaders would gather and discuss whether “now” was the right time to create a Museum of Durham History. It wasn’t until 2007 that a large group of leaders, including Tom Krakauer, Jane Goodridge, Barker French, and others started meeting.

A year later, October 22, 2008, Tom, Jane and Barker filed for the 501c3 that created what is today the Museum of Durham History. Tom, who had recently retired from the Museum of Life and Science, immediately took the lead.  He had the experience of leadership and the passion for the history of Durham that helped him forge ahead, finding supporters and donors, board members and civic leaders for all the various tasks involved.  Tom was a ‘force to be reckoned with,’ ‘a spark plug’ whose vision for the museum was steadfast, strong and urgent. It was very hard to say no to Tom when he was working harder than anyone.  In October 2013, Tom proudly opened the renovated space at 500 West Main Street.

It was a great honor and pleasure to work with Tom, and so many other dedicated Durhamites, through the beginnings of our Museum.  His positivity, energy and vision – his ‘I won’t take no attitude’ –  forged a path for us from years of talking about our history to a bricks and mortar space for those stories. We are so very grateful to him.

— Jane and Barker                            July 2, 2025