Volunteer

You make it possible

Volunteers are essential to our mission of preserving and sharing Durham’s history. We are always looking for passionate people, of all ages, interested in preserving our town’s historic character! There are various ways to get involved. Whether it is a donation of your time, a financial gift or becoming a contributing member, all is appreciated.

Join Us

It is people, just like you, that help keep Durham history alive. If you’d like to join the Durham Historical Society there are many options with varying levels of commitment. 

  • Sign on as a regular volunteer 

  • Consider becoming a member of the Durham Historical Society 

  • Attend our monthly meetings which are always open to the public

  • Share your thoughts, suggestions and ideas

  • Join our Durham Historical Facebook Community or follow us on Instagram

  • Visit one of our Open Houses

Your generosity makes it possible

Contribute

To our collected history

We are always looking to expand our collection of Durham related artifacts and documents. Our collections department is an invaluable pillar of the historical society and provides a tangible connection to Durham's rich cultural past.

The Durham Historical Society receives the majority of the artifacts in our collections department from people just like you, who entrust us with their care. If you would like to donate items of particular town significance please reach out. We are always on the lookout to bolster our collection. 

Although we’d love to accept every vintage, historic or valuable item, we simply don’t have the space in our collections. We request that the items be relevant and specific to Durham and its history.  We will also consider items that are associated with individuals, buildings, businesses and other organizations with Durham.

We ask for your understanding that not all proposed acquisitions can be accepted. We will do our best, however, to assist in finding an appropriate place for your item or document. information.

Piecing Together the Past

Get Involved

Advocacy is a verb

No matter the amount, your efforts are immensely appreciated. If you have suggestions, ideas for special events, or guest lecturers, we encourage you to reach out. We invite you to join our monthly meetings which are always open to the public. We are excited to hear from you!

Opportunities

Local participation is not only vital to our mission, it is vital to other local efforts as well. There are few groups focusing on preserving Durham’s history independently of the Durham Historical Society. 

 If you’d like to get involved on a legislative level consider joining the Durham Historic District Commission

Did you know Durham has 24 known cemeteries? Consider joining the Durham Cemetery Committee… if you dare. 

The Friends of the Methodist Church are always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers.


Any and all involvement is much needed!

Other local preservation efforts

Help Preserve

The future starts with the past

The preservation and protection of the historic character that helps define our town is at the forefront of what we do. Simply put, Durham’s historic sites are irreplaceable. Once they are gone our connection to the past becomes fainter the picture of Durham becomes less clear. With this in mind, we work every day to save them through our advocacy, stewardship and direct intervention.

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