Two Durham tours explore Black History

"Driving Through Change: A Tour of Civil Rights History in Durham" explores 13 locations in downtown Durham.

Posted 1:55 p.m. Feb 16, 2021 — Updated 1:55 p.m. Feb 16, 2021

Kathy Hanrahan, Out

and

About editor

DURHAM, N.C. — Want to learn more about the state's Black History, but don't want to leave your car?

There's a self-guided driving tour in Durham that explores 13 stops, including where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed when he was in town. The tour also explores Black Wall Street and the Hayti district.

The nearly 3-mile tour, which goes through downtown Durham, is called "Driving Through Change: A Tour of Civil Rights History in Durham" and is available on the free Built Story app, available on Apple and Google Play stores. The app provides driving directions for each stop and historical photos and information at each location.

It costs $10 to take the tour with proceeds going to support the tour's author and North Carolina Central University. Tours can be taken anytime.

Take the Kids: During Black History Month, take a driving tour of historic African American landmarks in Raleigh

Another tour at Historic Stagville will delve into the history of those enslaved and how they helped shape Durham.

The tours, which involve walking and driving, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the state historic site, which includes the remnants of one of the largest plantations in the state.

“Over 900 people were enslaved by the Cameron family in what is now part of Durham, Orange and Granville counties,” Site Manager Vera Cecelski said. “The people and profits from these massive plantations shape the history of our communities to this day.”

The tours will share how freed people built Durham by exploring the connections between those enslaved at Stagville and the early history of the city.

The in-person tours will be held at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Each tour is limited to 12 participants and there is a $5 fee. Registration is required. Guests are excepted to wear cloth masks over their nose and mouth, wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and maintain social distancing.

Suggest A Correction