
Visit - Current Exhibits
*Explore our online and previous exhibits HERE.
Dining Out in Durham
Did you know that besides the “Bull City” and “City of Medicine,” Durham has also been called the “Tastiest Town in the South” and “America’s Foodiest Small Town”? The Museum of Durham History is thrilled to explore the story of Durham’s restaurants and how community members have interacted in dining spaces in Dining Out in Durham. On display from May to October 2022, this exhibit will be exploring Durham’s traditional southern cuisine as well as its international flavors.
Faces of Durham
Dates: Ongoing
In this outdoor, social-distance friendly exhibit, Faces of Durham features a selection of familiar and lesser-known faces from the Bull City’s past and present. The exhibit highlights a broad range of contributions including industry and commerce, medicine, and human relations while mapping Durham’s development from a railway stop to a booming tobacco town, and to today’s revitalized hub of arts and innovation.
Durham Beginnings | 1865-1885
Dates: Ongoing
An exhibit featuring five dramatic but little-known personal stories evoking the spirit of Durham’s formative years. Learn the “coming to Durham” stories of Eliza Bennet Duke, Richard Fitzgerald, Abner Jordan, John Green, and Margaret Faucette.
Kids Area featuring Durham A-Z
Dates: Ongoing
“Durham A-Z” is returning to MoDH as a kid-focused series! Our latest installment “L is for Lemur” explores the history and mission of the Duke Lemur Center. The series will be featured in the Museum’s redesigned Kids Area. New Durham themed toys and costumes are avilable as well as a green screen photo booth with historic images of Durham. Kids of all ages and the young at heart are welcome!
Explore Durham Through Time
Dates: Ongoing
Visitors can use a touchscreen to explore key moments in Durham’s past. A post-it note wall allows viewers to tell us what moments from Durham’s past are most important to them. They may see their feedback incorporated later with a photo and caption.
Look Beyond the Windows
Dates: Ongoing
Take in the museum’s almost-360-degree view of downtown and consider the changes over time. To begin, we’ll focus on the Hill Building, Arts Council (formerly City Hall and Central High School), Liggett and Myers buildings, and NC Mutual tower.
Story Room
Dates: Ongoing
Visitors can step into the Story Room to record a personal memory about Durham’s past in. They can also explore memories others have shared or browse through old, local yearbooks. Stories recorded in the Story Room will be archived on the Museum’s SoundCloud or YouTube channel.