Stagvillle Memorial Project

OVERVIEW

The Stagville Memorial Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of people formerly enslaved at Stagville Plantation.

Through public art and community engagement, we aim to amplify lesser-known histories, expand our collective understanding of Durham’s past, and highlight the continued relevance of Stagville today. We work to bring these stories into public spaces—not just to remember but to reflect, connect, and envision a more inclusive future.

Our Mission:

We believe history should include everyone. That’s why we focus on the voices often left out of the narrative, particularly the descendants of those enslaved at Stagville. Our goals are to:

Illuminate Stagville’s enduring significance in Durham’s story
Unite descendants and community members around a shared purpose
Encourage deeper dialogue about the legacies of slavery and equity in public memory

Although we are not affiliated with the Stagville State Historic Site, we honor and support its educational efforts as a part of the Durham community. Learn more about Stagville Plantation at the links below:

HISTORY OF STAGVILLE PLANTATION

STAGVILLE STATE HISTORIC SITE

OUR TEAM

Project Board Members

Beverly Evans

Donna Frederick

Macklyn Mosley

Nicol Jackson

Sandra Lindsay

Vanessa Hines

Vannessa Mason Evans

William Amey III

CONTACT US

info@stagvillememorialproject.org

OUR JOURNEY AND PROJECT PHASES OVERVIEW

The Stagville Memorial Project began in the summer of 2019, sparked by a chance meeting between descendants of Stagville, the president of the Bragtown neighborhood association, and a former member of Durham’s Racial Equity Task Force. What started as conversations in homes, churches, and coffee shops quickly became a vision for public remembrance and justice through art. Since then, we've based our work around four phases of fundraising, programming, and memorial site planning while working with entities like the Durham County Public Art Department and community leaders to bring this memorial to life. Together, we’re reimagining how Durham tells its story—honestly, fully, and with the dignity it deserves. Use the directional arrows below for details on each project phase and recent updates.

Stagville descendant and former Board President Ricky Hart shares his understanding of the brutal conditions endured by his ancestors who were enslaved at the Stagville Plantation and expresses his support for the installation of a memorial in downtown Durham to honor them.

Courtesy of Casey Toth for The News & Observer.

SUPPORT