A Century in Durham: Exhibit Features History of NC Mutual Life Insurance

The rich history of North Carolina Mutual, one of the nation's first great African-American owned insurance companies, will be featured in an exhibit opening Oct. 24 at Duke's Center for Documentary Studies.

Sponsored by NC Mutual and Duke's John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture, "Soul & Service: The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, 115 Years and Counting" will run at the exhibit until Dec. 20.

"Soul & Service" features eight panels of reproductions from the company's archives, which are jointly held by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Duke and the University Archives and Records Special Collections at North Carolina Central University.

"Exhibit viewers will get a sense of the company's beginnings in the era of segregation, its economic growth as a thriving business, and the service rendered to generations of African American families and businesses," said John B. Gartrell, director of the Franklin Research Center and curator of "Soul & Service."

"North Carolina Mutual was born in 1898 out of a heartfelt desire and determination to serve the underserved," said James H. Speed, Jr., President and CEO of North Carolina Mutual. "As a center of influence in the African American community, our rich history is something we celebrate."

The "Soul & Service" exhibit is part of a series of events celebrating North Carolina Mutual's 115th anniversary. The year-long recognition of the company culminates in celebrations and events throughout the month of October. Descendants of the three founders of the company, John Merrick, Dr. Aaron M. Moore and Charles C. Spaulding, are involved in both the planning of the celebration and the events themselves.

The Center for Documentary Studies is located at 1317 West Pettigrew Street in Durham. Parking is available at no charge.