The Early History of RTP: A Fireside Chat
On Thursday, February 5, the Museum of Durham History invites the public to an evening of conversation and discovery, exploring the origins of one of North Carolina’s most influential innovations, Research Triangle Park. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., The Early History of RTP: A Fireside Chat, brings together individuals closely connected to Research Triangle Park’s formative years for an intimate discussion of the Park’s beginnings and its evolving relationship with Durham.
The discussion will be moderated by Virginia “Ginny” Rand Bowman, managing general partner of Northgate Realty and a longtime Durham business and civic leader. Bowman will be joined by John Atkins, co-founder of O’Brien/Atkins, David Beischer, President of Garden View Realty, and Robert “Robb” D. Teer Jr., founder of Teer Associates. Together, the panelists will share little-known stories and behind-the-scenes insights into how vision, collaboration, infrastructure, and design shaped Research Triangle Park and influenced its long-standing relationship with Durham.
This program is presented in conjunction with the Museum of Durham History’s current exhibition, Made in the Triangle: The Story of RTP, which explores the people, partnerships, and ideas behind the Park’s creation. The fireside chat expands on the exhibit by centering first-hand experiences and personal reflections, offering audiences a deeper understanding of RTP’s local roots and regional impact. A reception will immediately follow the program in the Semans Gallery.
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Site is accessible / ramps and elevator available
Register Here:
The Museum of Durham History extends its gratitude to the corporate sponsors whose support made Made in the Triangle possible: Cisco, MAA Nixie, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Triangle Community Foundation, Clark Nexsen, A JMT Company, C.T. Wilson Construction, Inc., Duke Energy, Lenovo, Longfellow Real Estate Partners, LLC, and Maxwell, Freeman & Bowman, PLLC.