Visit - Current Exhibits
*Explore our online and previous exhibits HERE.
The Museum of Durham History, in partnership with the Friends of Geer Cemetery, proudly announces the opening celebration of its newest exhibit: Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery: Using Archaeology to Reclaim, Restore, and Respect Sacred Space. The exhibit explores the role of archaeology in preserving and sharing the hidden history of Geer Cemetery, one of Durham’s earliest African American cemeteries. During a time when public cemeteries like Maplewood barred the burial of Black residents, families were forced to create and maintain their own sacred spaces. This exhibit follows the journey of three key artifacts unearthed at Geer Cemetery—from discovery to preservation—and the personal and community stories they reveal.
Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery will run through Fall 2025, with monthly exhibit-related programs to be announced throughout its duration.
You can still catch the tail end of 100 Years of Duke: Names to Remember! The outside portions of the exhibit will still be on display until Monday, April 21st, 2025. These outdoor displays include the Brown’s Schoolhouse to Duke U banner display under the gazebo, and the Our History, Our Voice: Latinés at Duke sidewalk banner displays. This is your last chance to see these great displays, if you haven’t already (where have you been?!).
Our History, Our Voice: Latinés at Duke sidewalk displays shown here
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.
Five generations of Faucette women, circa 1920 (North Carolina, Durham County Library)
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.
