Durham will make history on October 12th

This weekend, Durham's long-awaited History Hub will make its grand debut! Dozens of groups and individual entertainers will turn the October 12 Grand Opening of the Durham History Hub into a day-long celebration. More than 40 sponsors, led by Presenting Sponsor SunTrust Bank, are providing financial and in-kind support for the big day. The History Hub, located at 500 West Main Street, is the first home of the Museum of Durham History.

Beginning with a 10am History Parade down Main Street, followed by a ribbon-cutting, and rolling into a full afternoon of performances, the Grand Opening will launch the Hub in style. All activities and entertainment are free.

The parade will include the Bull City Brawlers Roller Derby Team, costumed bagpipers, Durham’s own Tobacco Queen, and Civil War re-enactors. Along with floats from Hayti Heritage Center, NC Pride Parade and Festival and Sam’s Quik Shop, there will be antique cars, a “biker bar,” Organic Transit vehicles, and more – all to the beat of the Hillside Hornets Marching Band.  The parade will begin near the Old Courthouse and travel west down Main Street to the History Hub.

At 11:30am, Mayor Bill Bell and Durham County Commissioners Vice Chair Brenda Howerton will join Museum Board Chair Lew Myers to open the History Hub’s doors and invite the audience inside for a first look at exhibits. Everyone who visits the exhibits will get a free ticket to enter one of four raffles.

Between Noon and 5pm, Durham Bulls announcer Jatovi McDuffie will keep things moving on two stages, featuring musical performers such as The Famous Jordanairs, NCSSM Jazz Ensemble, Blue Star Travelers, Kamara Thomas, TROSA Band, Heart of Carolina Chorus, Immaculata Catholic School Liturgical Choir, Durham Ukulele Orchestra and Durham Academy’s In the Pocket. 

A Bare Theatre acting duo, storytellers Dorothy N. Clark and Beverly Fields Burnett and Mr. Rainbow the Clown will be on hand, along with the Bellan Contemporary Dance Theatre and Bouncing Bulldogs Jump Rope Team.

Cartoonist VC Rogers will draw caricatures, the Durham Comics Project will oversee a kids art activity, Duke Homestead will lead several artisan demos, and local history authors will be available to sign their books.

Visitor parking will be available at no charge at nearby marked lots on Morris Street. All-day event parking is available for $3 in the Durham Centre deck, entered from the Morgan St. loop.

A full schedule of afternoon activities is attached and is also found online. Food trucks will be on site.

About the Museum of Durham History
The Museum of Durham History is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Durham's history to life and encouraging appreciation for our community’s heritage, pride in its accomplishments and support for its potential. The Museum’s home, the History Hub, is located downtown at 500 W. Main St. and will hold its Grand Opening on October 12, 2013. For more information, see www.museumofdurhamhistory.org.

Learn more about Durham's history at online.