Bennett Place State Historic Site, at 4409 Bennett Memorial Road in Durham, is the site of a significant surrender of the south in the Civil War. It’s always free to visit the visitor center and nature trails. Several special events take place at Bennett Place State Historic Site. Here is one of the upcoming events (Visit Bennett Place’s website or Facebook page for all the events.)
The Promise of Peace: Slavery’s End in North Carolina
Friday, September 20, 2025 (rescheduled date)
7 to 9:30 p.m.
Free
The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War.
This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music by Shana Tucker, and luminaries.
Thanksgiving: History & Legacy Tours
Every Saturday in November, 2025, except November 22
11 am. to 3 p.m.
$2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens, military, veterans and children
The modern Thanksgiving holiday stems from a mid-19th century campaign by Sara Josepha Hale for the adoption of a national thanksgiving holiday. President Abraham Lincoln created the federal holiday in 1863 during the American Civil War.
So how did our Thanksgiving narrative come to focus on a fantastical meal shared between colonists and American Indians? What messages did Americans hope to convey with the Thanksgiving holiday? What were some popular Thanksgiving foods in generations past?
Most Saturdays in November, Bennett Place staff lead guided tours that explore the history & legacy of this Civil War era federal holiday.
Old Hillsborough Road Market
Saturday, November 22, 2025
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free
James and Nancy Bennett lived along the Hillsborough Road, a major throughway between the county seat of Hillsborough and the state capitol of Raleigh. They earned money selling goods & services to passers-by on the roadway. On November 22, Bennett Place State Historic Site brings back that entrepreneurial, small-business spirit with the Old Hillsborough Road Market. Shop from local craft, retail, and food vendors for a perfect holiday gift!
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Learn about all the ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in the Triangle, or look at a quick list of events here:
