Durham Oral Histories Project

With Durham’s face ever-changing, elements of its story and past can be lost to time through the immigration of new residents and the exodus of old ones. As these residents and authors of Durham’s previous chapters move on, they take with them their experiences and thus, a small piece of Durham. Through our interactions, collaborations and collections, via the Durham Oral Histories Project, we want to elevate some of this fundamental history and retain some of what’s helped make Durham, Durham.  

The belief is that this forum will help us express anguish and optimism through intergenerational sharing, education and support.  We also hope to capture and convey older memories so that everyone may be reminded, or hear for the first time, about periods and events which have helped shape us as a community and nation. 

Much has changed, but our shared history remains. The spoken word is one of our most powerful and effective means of communication.  Share your voice.