Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery

The Museum of Durham History, in partnership with the Friends of Geer Cemetery, proudly announces the opening celebration of its newest exhibit: Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery: Using Archaeology to Reclaim, Restore, and Respect Sacred Space. The exhibit explores the role of archaeology in preserving and sharing the hidden history of Geer Cemetery, one of Durham’s earliest African American cemeteries. During a time when public cemeteries like Maplewood barred the burial of Black residents, families were forced to create and maintain their own sacred spaces. This exhibit follows the journey of three key artifacts unearthed at Geer Cemetery—from discovery to preservation—and the personal and community stories they reveal.

Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery opens at 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 25 Aprl 2025, and runs through Fall 2025, with monthly exhibit-related programs to be announced throughout its duration.