• The Archaeological Process: Learn how artifacts (kettle shown below) are uncovered, documented, and conserved, gaining insight into how these steps help preserve and interpret history. Archaeology is vital in restoring Geer Cemetery and uncovering lost gravesites, personal artifacts, and structural remnants. Through purposeful excavation during cleanup events, researchers document findings, analyze materials, and piece together the lives of those buried here. Artifacts become storytellers, revealing clues about the people who interacted with this sacred space, their traditions, and their lives. Each discovery deepens our understanding of the cemetery’s history, ensuring its stories are honored. This process reconnects descendants with their ancestors and safeguards the cemetery’s legacy.

• Personal and Community Histories: Through the artifacts and the restoration process, visitors can connect with the lives of individuals buried at Geer Cemetery (Rufus Purefoy shown below) and the broader historical context of Durham’s African American community.

• The Importance of Preservation: See the role of restoring and maintaining sites like Geer Cemetery in honoring the past and engaging future generations with stories. Once the stories of each artifact are uncovered, the focus shifts to preservation. Protecting the artifacts, grave sites, and the cemetery itself ensures the legacies of those buried here are safeguarded. Through conservation efforts and community engagement, their stories are honored, remembered, and passed onto future generations.

• Memory and Legacy: Consider how we remember and honor those who came before us and the importance of maintaining and restoring sacred spaces. The Friends of Geer Cemetery carefully preserve both data and physical artifacts with respect. Data is archived and used to develop stories shared on social media and the Friends’ website, which also hosts a searchable burial and monument database. They collaborate with institutions like Historic Stagville to preserve and share historical connections to Geer Cemetery and Durham’s African American communities.

• A special Children’s Exhibition: As an “Undercover Archaeologist,” curious children take on the role of archaeologists tasked with uncovering the mystery of an artifact. They can follow the steps of the archaeological process, engaging in discovery, analysis, and preservation.

This exhibit is free and open to the public, and runs through fall 2025.  Keep an eye out for monthly exhibit-related programming!