Duke Homestead State Historic Site

10/16/2026

In the 19th century, mourning the loss of a loved one came with societal rules and expectations. What you wore reflected your grief, and matte black clothing was standard. The only way to wear a little sparkle was with specially selected mourning jewelry, like those pictured below.

Come join us for Phantasmagoria on October 30 to learn more about the materials, symbolism, and rules of mourning jewelry! 🪦🪦🪦

10/14/2026

Did you know that Brodie Duke, eldest surviving son of Washington Duke, ran an undertaker's business out of his general store?

To learn more about undertaking and funeral preparation in the 19th century, come and join us for Phantasmagoria on Oct 30! Tickets on sale now through Eventbrite.

This ad was printed in the Durham newspaper "The To***co Plant" on August 2, 1881 and reads as follows:

"Undertaking: Our Undertaking Department is Complete. We have one of the largest and finest stocks of Coffins and Trimmings ever brought to this State. Orders will have prompt attention if left at our Furniture Store in the day, and in the night you will find Jas. A McMannen in his room over A. G. Carr & Co.'s drug store. We also have one of the finest Hearses in the State always in readiness and FREE OF CHARGE. B. L. DUKE & CO., Corner Clay and Mangum Streets, Durham, N.C."

10/05/2026

Thank you to the Durham Fire Department "Plug Uglies" and the Shiners Base Ball Club of Rockingham, VA for playing in our Vintage Base Ball game this year!

10/05/2026

Join us for Phantasmagoria! Explore the concepts of awe, wonder, and spiritualism in the 19th century. Witness the macabre and mundane aspects of mourning. Reflect on days long since past. Enjoy a funeral biscuit, and more! October 30, from 6:30-9:30 PM.

Tickets for Phantasmagoria will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday October 6, at 9:30 AM

More information and tickets available at the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-phantasmagoria-2026-tickets-2002748807596

10/02/2026

Fall for Learning with DNCR 🍂

Crisp air, crunchy leaves, and sharp minds. Fall settles in across North Carolina as classrooms shift from back‑to‑school chaos to a focused routine. DNCR is ready to support teachers in encouraging students to Fall for Learning with new, inspiring educational resources for History, Nature, Art, and Culture at dncr.k12.nc.gov.

09/30/2026

We are warming up for Vintage Base Ball on October 3rd, and we are freshly stocked with base ball books in the gift shop!

Haney's Base Ball Book of Reference from 1867 is freshly restocked, and new in stock is Images of America: Baseball in North Carolina's Piedmont!

Before or after the big game, stop by and expand your knowledge of the sport here at Duke Homestead!

09/29/2026

Shoutout to the Durham Fire Department!!! Come on out and see them PLAY BALL!!!

09/29/2026

Vintage Base Ball at the Durham Athletic Park is less than a week away! Have you considered what you'll wear? Perhaps a baseball cap, new or old!

Pictured here is a sampling of baseball caps from "Spalding's Base Ball Guide of 1888". Do any of these look familiar? Keep an eye out for these styles on our players!

Vintage Base Ball will be held at the Historic Durham Athletic Park on October 3, first game at 11AM!

09/24/2026

Thanks so much to the staff and residents at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community for having us over to talk about 19th century to***co farming and the Duke family! We had a great turnout and wonderful questions overflowed, making this quite a memorable outreach.

09/23/2026

Join us for Vintage Base Ball at the DAP on October 3!

Joining our local Duke Homestead team this year will be a special team from the Durham Fire Department and The Shiners from Rockingham, VA!

The iconic Durham Athletic Park has hosted baseball games since 1926 and was even featured in an iconic baseball film, but Durham’s baseball roots are even deeper.

The first century of baseball was marked by racial segregation and separate leagues for black and white athletes at the DAP until the 1950s; however, Duke Homestead welcomes all people to participate and honors the struggles and achievements of the many players over the past century who brought us the Durham baseball culture we know today.

Gates open at 10am, first game at 11am!

We invite you to connect with the history of this sport, this place, and this community by enjoying a night out at the ball park.

A day of vintage base ball played at the Historic Durham Athletic Park !