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Murray’s Home Built


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Pauli Murray’s family home was built in Durham, North Carolina by her maternal
grandparents Robert and Cornelia Fitzgerald.
— 1898

Pauli Moves to Durham


After her mother dies, Pauli Murray moves to the Durham family home to live with her Aunt Pauline and grandparents. Her siblings remain in Baltimore.
— 1914

Aunt Pauline Sells Durham Home


Aunt Pauline sells the Durham family home and moves with her sister to live in New York City with their niece, Pauli.
— 1953

Pauli Murry Murals Painted


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14 Murals, including five of Pauli Murray, are created through a collaborative community process led by artist Brett Cook. Sponsored by the Center for Documentary Studies and the SWCD Quality of Life Project.
— 2007-2009

Pauli Murray Project Established


Pauli Murray Project (PMP) established at the Duke Human Rights Center/Franklin Humanities Institute by Robin Kirk and Barbara Lau with support
— March 3, 2009

First Pauli Murray Service


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PMP creates new annual programs, including the Pauli Murray Service held at St. Titus Episcopal Church in Durham, co-sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of NC.
— July 1, 2009

PMP Commissions Pauli Murray Play


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PMP commissions playwright Lynden Harris to create a play about Pauli Murray entitled “To Buy the Sun,” with initial performances at Hayti Heritage Center, Carrboro Arts Center, NCCU, Duke and UNC-CH.
— 2010

Coalition Saves Durham Home


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The Durham family home was prevented from being demolished by a coalition including PMP, SW Central Durham Quality of Life Project (QOL), and Self-Help.
— April 4, 2011

Historic Marker Installed


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An NC State Highway Historic Marker is created in honor of Pauli Murray, installed on West Chapel Hill Street.
— November 20, 2011

Pauli Murray Center Established


Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice (PMC) is established as a non-profit organization.
— June 18, 2012

Durham Fixes Drainage Issue


City of Durham fixes drainage issues in Maplewood Cemetery, which had caused foundation issues at the historic site for over 80 years.
— April 14, 2012

Family Home Named a National Treasure


The National Trust for Historic Preservation names the Family Home a National Treasure.
— 2015

Family Home Stabilized


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Pauli Murray Family home is stabilized and significant renovations are made to the exterior of the house with grants from Iron Mountain and Covington Foundations.
— 2015-2016

Family Home Designated a National Historic Landmark


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The Pauli Murray Family Home is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
— December 23, 2016

PMC Receives Grant


Pauli Murray Center granted $237,575 by the National Park Service through the Civil Rights Grants Fund for interior renovations and improvements in accessibility.
— 2017

PMC Starts Walking Tours


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PMC begins collaborations with Whistle Stop tours to offer regular walking tours of the West End neighborhood.
— 2017

Pauli Exhibition Displayed in NYC


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PMC’s exhibit Pauli Murray: Imp, Crusader, Dude, Priest is displayed at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City.
— March 4, 2018

Community Charrette Generates Ideas


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Community Charrette to generate ideas for the Pauli Murray site. Local preservationists, architects, public historians, PMC board members, and facilitated by Durham Area Designers.
— May 11, 2019

Exhibit Installed on Lawn


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PMC installs an exhibit on the lawn so that visitors can learn about the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray’s legacy and the significance of the site.
— 2019

Shift to Online Programming


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PMC shifts to online programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishes new signature programming, including a virtual book club.
— 2020

Pauli Birthday Celebration


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Pauli Murray Birthday Celebration focuses on Loss, Hope, & Joy.
— November, 2020

Just Conversations Series Launched


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PMC launches the Just Conversations series of online programming, focusing on the relationships between organizers and activists.
— 2021

PMC Starts West End Project


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PMC embarks on a Greater West End Oral History Project, interviewing eleven elders from the community.
— August, 2021

Pauli Murray Documentary Premiere


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PMC hosts the Durham Premiere of documentary film, My Name is Pauli Murray, in collaboration with Hayti Film Festival and with support from Amazon and Participant.
— September 10, 2021

The Center Receives a Grant


Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice receives 1.6 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
— September 13, 2021

Pauli Murray Center Grand Opening


The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice opens to the public.
— September 7, 2024