Preservation Durham

This summer, 13 NC Historic Sites are testing out Sunday hours as part of a time-limited pilot program to expand access to our sites!

During the 8-week pilot program, you can visit these sites from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays from June 14-August 2.

Learn more at the link in the comments.

🐑 Aycock Birthplace
⚓️Historic Bath
💥Bentonville Battlefield
🐊Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson
🎓Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum
🫖Historic Edenton
🗡️Fort Fisher
📜Historic Halifax
⛏️Reed Gold Mine
🌊Roanoke Island Festival Park
🕊️Somerset Place
🏛️North Carolina State Capitol
🪚Thomas Day State Historic Site

Jean Bradley Anderson History Grove Dedication - Museum of Durham History The Museum of Durham History is dedicated to expanding the perspectives from our staff and network of guest contributors, while exploring the rich history of Durham, NC.

Join us on Tuesday, June 9th from 5:30-7pm for a stroll through downtown on our architecture walking tour. You'll hear from host Robert Sotolongo, retired president of DTW Architects, who will share his experiences and firsthand knowledge from his firm's work in the revitalization of downtown Durham. Some notable stops on the tour are the Mechanics & Farmers Bank, the Kress Building, the Temple Building, Five Points, and the Durham Arts Guild.

Register at:
https://www.preservationdurham.org/preservation-durham-downtown-architecture-tour

First two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree and Durham native Clyde McPhatter began his singing career as a 5-year-old in the Baptist church pastored by his father. In the Bull City he stayed until he was 13 when Rev. George McPhatter and wife Beulah moved to New Jersey. Soon after, McPhatter won “Amateur Night” at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and a legend was born.

He soon joined 1950s powerhouse Rhythm and Blues group the Dominoes, where his vocals on hits such as “Sixty Minute Man” and “Have Mercy Baby” helped make doo-wop a national sensation. Later, McPhatter joined The Drifters and record chart success with hits like “Money Honey.” After a stint in the military in the mid-50s, McPhatter enjoyed a solo career with hits such as “A Lover’s Question” and “Treasure of Love” until his passing in 1972.

He was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1987 and with The Drifters a year later, to become the first person elected more than once. That group is now 27 strong and sometimes referred to as “The Clyde McPhatter Club.” He is also a 2009 inductee to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

On Saturday, June 6, Durham County Library, the Stanford L. Warren Branch Library, Preservation Durham, and the Museum of Durham History will host “Have Mercy Baby: The Life of Clyde McPhatter,” an author talk with McPhatter biographer Steve Bergsman, Debbie McPhatter, the singer’s daughter, and music journalist Howard Burchette. The free event will run from 2 – 4 p.m. at SLW, located at 1201 Fayetteville Street in downtown Durham.

No registration required for this FREE event. There will be a book signing with the author, facilitated by Letters Book Shop with the author will take place following the event.

We are so excited to kick off summer with a Downtown Durham architecture walking tour! Learn more about many of Durham's most iconic landmarks in the Downtown Durham area. Robert Sotolongo, retired president of DTW Architects, will host the tour, sharing his experiences and firsthand knowledge from his firm's work in the revitalization of Downtown Durham, which includes the Arts Council Building and the Temple Building.

This event is FREE for Preservation Durham members, and $15 for general public tickets! Purchase tickets now at https://www.preservationdurham.org/preservation-durham-downtown-architecture-tour

Over 500 people joined us last weekend for the annual Home Tour in Hope Valley. We greatly appreciate the homeowners, volunteers, and sponsors who made this such a successful and enjoyable tour for folks. This amazing community effort was a wonderful way to come together and celebrate Hope Valley Country Club's centennial by touring inside eight homes built almost 100 years ago.