Duke alumna Joyce Nichols, the first woman and black woman to be certified as a physician assistant, is one of the many figures highlighted in the Museum of Durham History exhibit.
Museum of Durham History to Celebrate Duke’s Centennial
Exhibit opens Friday with a free community party
Museum of Durham History to Celebrate Duke’s Centennial
Exhibit opens Friday with a free community party
The Durham community will take a turn to celebrate the Duke University centennial and the university’s deep ties to the city and county this Friday with the opening of a new exhibit at the Museum of Durham History.
The exhibition, “100 Years of Duke: Names to Remember,” opens with a free, public party at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the museum (500 W. Main St.). This exhibit provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the transformative history of Duke University.
This exhibit commemorates Duke’s evolution from its origins as a small schoolhouse in Randolph County to its establishment as a university in 1924. The exhibits will focus on the people, institutions, and events that have shaped Duke University and influenced Durham’s history.
The exhibit will highlight figures such as Joyce Nichols, who graduated as a physician assistant from Duke in 1970, making her the first woman and the first Black woman in the country to be certified in that role.
Stelfanie Williams, Duke’s vice president for community affairs, and Durham community leaders will make short presentations. The museum has been transformed with Duke-themed décor. The evening will include a scavenger hunt, live music and refreshments provided by local restaurants.
