Historic Stagville

10/01/2026

Last week Historic Stagville hosted the Full Moon & Freedom Stories Night Hike. Under the Harvest Moon, attendees heard stories of enslaved people in North Carolina and how they used night as a time for rest, refuge, and resistance. Shared stories came from James Curry (enslaved in person County), Mary Barbour (enslaved in McDowell County), Harriett Jacobs (enslaved in Edenton, NC), and more.

Thank you to everyone to joined us for this impactful, contemplative walk. Keep an eye on our social media to learn about future programs at Historic Stagville. We hope you'll join us next time!

Photo Credits: 1. Mike Nye 2. Mike Nye 3. Historic Stagville

09/26/2026

September 3 marked the grand opening of the Duluth Central Education Services and Ethel Ray Nance Welcome Center in Duluth, Minnesota. Ethel Ray Nance’s granddaughter, Karen Nance (pictured), spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

This family’s story stretches back to Stagville. William Henry Ray was born in North Carolina in 1868, just three years after Emancipation. His family, including his father, Henry Ray, had been enslaved at Stagville.

William Henry Ray later moved to Minnesota, where his daughter, Ethel Ray Nance, was born in 1899. Ethel Ray Nance became an activist and advocate, served as a secretary to W.E.B. Du Bois, and was a trailblazer in the civil rights movement.

From Stagville to Duluth, the story of one family and the legacy carried forward by descendants like Karen Nance continues to inspire new generations.

09/26/2026

The first week of fall is here!

As it starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, we invite you to visit Historic Stagville. Stop by and explore the site’s history with a guided tour or self guide Tuesday through Saturday!

Once one of the largest plantations in North Carolina, Historic Stagville now bears witness to the history of slavery. Come learn about slavery, freedom, and resistance. Visit our website or give us a call at (919) 620-0120.

09/17/2026

For over a decade, Mike Williams has connected and reconnected with Stagville, beginning with his own story of adoption and family reunion, tracing his roots back to enslaved ancestors at Stagville. Through this transformative personal experience, Mike has found a calling in service as a volunteer Board member and leader for the Historic Stagville Foundation. For the past 3 years, Mike has faithfully led the Foundation board as President. The mission of the Historic Stagville Foundation is to promote Historic Stagville as a cultural and historical resource by preserving and interpreting its history with a focus on celebrating the heritage, agency, resilience, and self-empowerment of its enslaved and descendant communities. Mike's dedication to the sacredness of the Stagville historic site, his enthusiasm for teaching African-American history, and his steadfast commitment to descendant community leadership are hallmarks of his volunteer leadership.

As he completed his term this year, Mike was selected as a recipient of the North Carolina Governor's Volunteer Service Award for Durham County. He and other local award winners and nominees were honored at an August 19th ceremony at DPAC by the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center. On the day of the ceremony, HSF Board members Clay Brown, Caroline Pence, and Tom Miller, as well as Adarra Blount, Historic Stagville Assistant Site Manager were present to celebrate with him. Please join us in thanking Mike for his leadership, advocacy, and continuous support. To learn more about the Historic Stagville Foundation , please visit stagville.org

09/16/2026

We still have a few spaces left for the September Full Moon & Freedom Stories Night Hike! Email [email protected] to register and join us at 7 pm on Friday, September 25th for a contemplative night hike, with reflective readings from North Carolina slave narratives. Reservations are required and space is limited.

09/04/2026

With a high heat index, Historic Stagville's guided tours on Friday and Saturday September 4 and 5 will follow an alternate route for less heat exposure.

The site grounds will be open to self-guided tours from 9 am to 5 pm today and tomorrow. Please remember, our self-guided tour is all outdoors! Please prepare for the heat and take precautions if visiting this weekend.

09/01/2026

Join us at Historic Stagville for a guided tour on slavery, freedom, and resistance.

Tuesday - Friday: 1pm and 3pm
Saturday: 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

Know Before You Go:
Tours take place outdoors and in historic buildings.
Bring a personal vehicle. You’ll drive from one half of the site to the other.
Tour fees are $2+tax for adults and $1+tax for seniors 65+, children 3-17, military and veterans.
No reservation is necessary for groups of 10 people or less.
Call ahead to make sure tours are running. The tour schedule is subject to change.

Give us a call at (919)620-0120 if you have any questions.

08/27/2026

It's that time again! We are shifting our weekday guided tour schedule to the afternoon. Weekday tours this Fall will take place at 1pm and 3pm to avoid morning field trips. Saturday tour times remain the same, with tours running at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.

The new schedule begins September 1, 2026. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.

08/25/2026

Thank you! All spaces are full and registration has closed for the August 28, 2026 Full Moon & Freedom Stories Night Hike.

Keep an eye on our social media for future special events!

08/21/2026