Introduction to Duke University History

please feel free to contact the Duke University Archives for research assistance.

• A brief narrative history of Duke University
• A timeline of Duke University history
• Historical articles about Duke University written by the staff of the Duke University Archives
• Frequently-asked questions about Duke history
• Research guides on popular Duke history topics

Duke University History

• Duke University Medical Center Archives: the repository for the official records of the Medical Center, including the Schools of Medicine and Nursing.

• Duke University Office of News and Communications

• Schools and Departments: departmental websites often contain historical information about their departments
• Office of the Registrar: for transcripts and student records, as well as verification of enrollment and graduation
• Duke University Athletics
• Alumni Association: for current information about Duke University alumni
• Facilities Management: for blueprints and other technical information about Duke University buildings

Durham History

• Digital Durham: A collection of digital resources on the history of Durham, created by historian Trudi Abel and the Duke University Libraries.

• Duke Homestead: A state historic site, this early home of the Duke family provides information about family genealogy and the beginning of the Duke tobacco business.

• Durham and Local History Research Guide: Created by Duke University Libraries staff, this is a research guide on resources about Durham history.

• Guide to City Directories: Select the "D" tab to see listings for Durham city directories and their availability at the Duke University Libraries. Or access digitized Durham directories via the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center.

• North Carolina Collection, Durham County Library: A collection of primary and secondary resources on Durham history, part of the Durham County Library.
• Museum of Durham History

• Old West Durham Neighborhood Association historical information about one of the neighborhoods adjacent to Duke (and home to many Duke faculty and staff), prepared by neighborhood residents.

• Open Durham: The go-to resource for information about the history of Durham buildings, including those on Duke's campus.

Please let us know about other relevant online resources that we should add to this list!