Stagville State Historic Site, 5828 Old Oxford Highway in Durham, contains the remnants of one of the largest plantations of the pre-Civil War South. The plantation belonged to the Bennehan-Cameron family, whose combined holdings totaled approximately 900 enslaved people and almost 30,000 acres of land by 1860.
Stagville offers a view of the past, especially that of its African American community, by allowing visitors to guide themselves around its extensive groundIt is free to visit Stagville State Historic Site. There are also many free and inexpensive events throughout the year.
The site has re-opened its grounds, as of June 9th, 2020, after being closed because of a fire on June 1st. Donations to help them recover from the fire are appreciated.
It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, and guided tours are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. those days. Self-guided tours are also available during opening hours.
It’s free to visit and the tours are free as well.
Visitors are asked to wear face masks, stay six feet away from other people, and wash your hands frequently.
The scheduled in-person events have not resumed, but there’s an online event coming up, in partnership with Charlotte Museum of History, in honor of Juneteenth.
Frederick Douglass Community Reading Video
Sunday, July 5th, 2020
Free
Each year on July 5th, Historic Stagville presents a community reading of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.” This year the community gathering can’t happen, so instead, they’re producing a community video. Sign up to join and to record yourself reading a portion of the speech. The video will be released on July 5th. Fill out the form to take part.
