Visit - Current Exhibits
*Explore our online and previous exhibits HERE.
Officially opening on Friday, September 20th, 2024, a special exhibition titled 100 Years of Duke: Names to Remember, commemorates the centennial anniversary of Trinity College becoming Duke University.
From its humble beginnings as a schoolhouse in rural Randolph County, through its transformation into Trinity College, and finally its establishment as Duke University in 1924, this exhibit takes visitors on a fascinating journey. Highlights of the exhibit include the legacy of Durhamite Joyce Clayton Thorpe Nichols as the first woman to graduate from Duke University’s Physician’s Assistant program, a “bewitching” exploration of the legend behind Duke’s famous Blue Devil mascot, and the pivotal role of Durham leaders in the school’s relocation and survival until the establishment of the Duke Endowment.
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.
