As we close out 2024—my first year with Preservation Durham and the organization’s 50th anniversary—I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of the Durham community. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many passionate individuals who are deeply committed to protecting Durham’s story. Preservation is not the work of any one organization, and our 50th Anniversary Celebration truly highlighted the power of collaboration in this shared mission.
This year has underscored the importance of what we do as we look ahead. We’ve spent time reflecting on our programming and strengthening new and existing partnerships in order to meet the growing demand for preservation support across the county. For the past decade, we’ve operated with just one full-time staff member, supported by part-time help. What began as a role focused primarily on administrative tasks has evolved into one that includes critical programming and community outreach. In order to keep pace with Durham’s rapid growth and continue meeting the community’s needs, it’s clear that we must make this position full-time.
Expanding our staff is vital to ensure that we can effectively advocate for Durham’s preservation, deliver high-quality programs, and protect our city’s unique character for generations to come. As a private nonprofit, we rely entirely on the generosity of donors. Your membership and support not only amplify our voice but directly fund the growth that will allow us to build on our successes from the past 50 years and move forward into a bright future.
I invite you to join us in honoring this milestone year by helping us grow. Your gift will be an investment in Preservation Durham’s continued strength and sustainability as we look toward the next fifty years.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. With your support, I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.
See you in the new year!
To celebrate 250 years of the United States, the National Park Service is offering grants for projects, sites, and general preservation projects related to the founding of the nation. The 200th anniversary of the United States marked a pivotal turn in support for preservation efforts. This grant program is an example of the vital role of historic preservation in sharing American history largely spearheaded by the bicentennial.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants may include local governments, non-profit organizations, public and non-profit institutions of higher education, and tribes. Notably, the Fiscal Year 2023 Semiquincentennial grant program does not require resources to be owned by a State government.
- All resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places (including National Historic Landmarks) individually or as contributing to a listed district at the time of application to be eligible for this program.
- Buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects considered significant for their association with or commemoration of people, places, or events between the earliest known resources and December 31, 1800, may be considered as associated with the "founding of the nation."
To learn more and apply for a grant through the National Park Service, visit their site.
The W.A. and Lessie R. Lyon House is a wonderful example of the kind of stories that homeowners can learn about the history of their homes. This particular house was built and originally owned by William Aubyn Lyon and his wife, Lessie R. Lyon. W. A. served in World War I and went on to become a partner at his father’s hardware company. W.A died in 1943 due to hepatic insufficiency and heart failure. Lessie continue to live in the house after W.A.’s death, renting out apartment space during this time. When her health started to decline, Lessie sold the house in 1985, 40 years after the death of her husband. The Lyon’s demonstrate the longevity of a home in one’s life, as well as the historic contexts of their lives that shaped their experiences within the home.
If you are interested in learning more about your home and it’s history, consider Preservation Durham’s Historic Plaque Program. Your house must be 70 years or older to apply for a plaque. We have volunteers who can help with the research, or complete it from start to finish for a donation. Preservation Durham’s plaque program gives Durham property owners knowledge and recognition of their property’s history and helps share that history with the rest of the Durham community.
Preservation Durham recognized the tenants, designers, and planners of the Historic Durham Sun Building at the 50th anniversary celebration for their incredible adaptive reuse of the former Durham Sun newspaper building. The site has been transformed to include business space for the following businesses: Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, The Daniele Company, Bull City Massage and Wellness, and Lennox and Grae, Inc.
The Historic Durham Sun Building was once home to The Durham Sun newspaper, built in 1920. This space was subsequently owned and used for a series of different businesses after the Durham Sun merged with the Morning Herald. To learn more about the other uses and more history about The Historic Durham Sun Building, check out its page on Open Durham!
Local events and news from us and our partners in preservation you may be interested in.
- Durham Planning Department launces new Heritage Communities Program to recognize historic neighborhoods that have not yet received formal historic designation. The first round of applications is due December 31st. More information about this new program here and here.
- Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice: Artists Day of Inspiration. January 12th, Pauli Murray Center. The Pauli Murray Center is hosting an event where you can get your creative juices flowing! Join them as they allow time and space for artists to create their own works within the Pauli Murray Center. Registration here.
- Eno River Association: Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer Workday. January 20th, 9am- 12pm. The Eno River Association are calling on volunteers to help build new trails at Blue Indigo Preserve for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Registration here.
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