History of Duke and Durham Resources

Interested in learning about the historical relationship between Duke hospitals and the surrounding community? The following is a sampling of readings and resources with a focus on the history of race and health disparities at Duke and in Durham.

These suggested resources have been compiled by Dr. Jeffrey Baker, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and History, Director of the Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History. 

 

  • Museum of Durham History
  • Historic Stagville. Stagville, the largest plantation in the piedmont of NC and home to over 900 enslaved people, was founded in the 1790s north of present-day Durham (before it existed). Historic Stagville is a 165-acre State Historic Site, entirely dedicating to teaching about the lives, culture, and labors of enslaved African Americans. Admission to the site is free. Self-guided and guided tours are available.
  • Bennett Place. Location where the Civil War ended. Tours offer insight into NC and Durham at the end of the Civil War.
  • West point on the Eno Park and Hugh Mangum Photography Museum. Reconstructed Mill, remarkable photograph collection from turn of century, illuminating lives of both Black and Whites
  • Pauli Murray Center. The Pauli Murray Center for Social Justice is a nationally significant history site, anchored by Pauli Murray’s childhood home built by her grandparents in 1898 at 906 Carroll Street in Durham, North Carolina. Learn more about virtual events and the center’s outdoor educational installation about the life of Pauli Murray and the history of the house.
  • Hayti Heritage Center. The St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center presents a multitude of cultural arts programs, including gallery exhibitions, dance, music series, and film festivals.
  • Duke Homestead Historic Site and Tobacco Museum. Visit the historic home, farm, and factory buildings of Washington Duke and his family. Learn more about the Dukes of Durham, special events, guided tours, and online resources.
  • Greensboro International Civil Rights Center and Museum . This site features the original lunch counter commemorating start of the sit-in movement.