Durham Preservationists Consider African-American Sites

Several African-American historic sites across Durham are being considered for historic designation. Preservation officials say criteria include sites where significant events took place, buildings with architectural significance, and homes of prominent African-American families. Bob Ashley is the executive director of Preservation Durham. He says there are quite a few contenders for designation.

Bob Ashley: The McKissick Senior House, where the senior Floyd McKissick lived and of course was notable for his role in civil rights, the Robert Fitzgerald/Polly Murray House, which our partners at the Polly Murray project are working on even as we speak, the Harriet Tubman YWCA which is on Umstead Street and was the historically African-American YWCA.

Ashley says the public can comment on the selections at public meetings today and tomorrow.