Preservation Durham

10/13/2026

What a fantastic Harkrader House tour on Saturday 10/10! Check out one of the homes featured on the tour:

10/09/2026

Learn more about how "Smarter framing creates more space for insulation, using less material while improving comfort, energy efficiency and lowering long term costs." at: https://www.harkraderhouse.com/

Then this Saturday, TOMORROW 10/10 from 9am-3pm, view the inside of 6 Harkrader houses in Durham: https://www.ncmodernist.org/HarkraderTour.htm

10/09/2026

Join the Harkrader House Tour to explore the work of Richard and Lonna Harkrader, pioneers of energy-efficient construction and passive solar design in Durham. The tour benefits NCModernist and Preservation Durham, supporting modernist architecture and historic preservation.

Proudly sponsored by BuildSense. Event details in the comments.

10/07/2026

"In the winter, loss of sunlight can lead to lower mood. Residents of Harkrader method buildings benefit from living in a space that naturally brings in winter sunlight and fosters a year-round connection to nature, which support mental health." Dive into the design principles and drawings at: https://www.harkraderhouse.com/

This Saturday 10/10, tour the inside of six passive solar houses: https://www.ncmodernist.org/HarkraderTour.htm

10/06/2026

This Saturday is looking great for the Harkrader Home Tour!

Day-of tickets will be available for $15/person at Orchard Park Pavilion, 1000 South Duke Street, Durham NC.

For free tickets, volunteer to be a docent for half the tour. Sign up to volunteer at: https://forms.gle/vTK1RtJzodFGBERJ9

Check out which passive solar homes will be on the tour: https://www.ncmodernist.org/HarkraderTour.htm

10/02/2026

Hello October! Join us for our Murder, Mayhem and Misfortune tour of Maplewood Cemetery on Halloween 10/31.

Register at: https://www.preservationdurham.org/halloween-maplewood-cemetery-tour

See more photos and learn more at: https://www.opendurham.org/buildings/maplewood-cemetery

10/01/2026

The Beadboard from Preservation Durham - https://mailchi.mp/3cddbd0a2e0b/the-beadboard-from-preservation-durham-17308136

09/29/2026

Thank you Brand Fortner for capturing photos from the Hymns for Salted Bones: A Re-Membering of Hayti Walking Tour on September 26th.

Tours are 2:00pm-3:30pm on the following Saturdays:
10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21

Register at: https://www.preservationdurham.org/haytiwalkingtour

09/24/2026

Our friends at the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice are hiring!

📣 Graduate students: We’re hiring!

The Pauli Murray Center is seeking an Exhibit Development & Community Engagement Intern to support the development of our inaugural exhibit and engage community stakeholders around themes including religion, gender identity, mental health, and Black women’s social networks.

🎓 Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program in History, Museum Studies, Public History, or a related field.

📍 Hybrid | Durham, NC
🕐 20 hours/week | Feb. 1–Aug. 13, 2027
💰 $20/hour
📅 Apply by October 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET

Learn more and apply: paulimurraycenter.org/work-with-us

09/17/2026

Richard and Lonna Harkrader: Durham Pioneers in Eco Living

Over fifteen years, they built 60 houses and 15 apartment buildings—all incorporating passive solar design with south-facing windows, thermal mass brick floors, energy efficient insulation, and solar hot water systems. Many were built on challenging build sites and incorporated features such as stilts with bridge walkways, turning difficult sloping lots into assets. One early home was built for twin brothers Wib and Dub Gulley—Wib went on to become Mayor of Durham. Hear from Richard at: https://vimeo.com/1157994807?fl=pl&fe=sh

$10 Tickets for Harkrader Home Tour on Saturday, October 10th at: https://www.ncmodernist.org/harkradertour.htm

For free tickets, volunteer to be a docent for half the tour. Sign up to volunteer at: https://forms.gle/vTK1RtJzodFGBERJ9