The Pauli Murray Center

The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray was a twentieth-century human rights activist, legal scholar, feminist, poet, author, Episcopal priest, labor organizer, multiracial Black, LGBTQ+ Durhamite who lived one of the most remarkable lives of the 20th century. S/he was the first Black person to earn a JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law) degree from Yale Law School, a founder of the National Organization for Women and the first Black person perceived as a woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest.

The Pauli Murray Center, located in the childhood home of this remarkable figure, stands as a vital site of national significance. Built in 1898 by their grandparents, this space is more than just a historical landmark; it connects the past to contemporary struggles for peace, equity, and justice, inspiring visitors of all ages to take action. Recognizing the important work of Dr. Murray and the Center’s crucial role in the Durham community, Trust for Public Land worked with the center and its advocates to grant full ownership of the land and historic home to the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice.

Welcoming everyone—students, families, community leaders, aspiring LGBTQ+ activists, and artists—the Center fosters a vibrant environment for public history, education, arts, and activism. It serves as a historic site, an incubator for ideas, and a sacred space for dialogue and growth.

It plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing Black history, feminist history, LGBTQ+ history, and the broader narrative of activism. As Robert Fitzgerald, Pauli Murray’s grandfather, wrote, “The past is the key of the present and the mirror of the future.” Yet, of the nearly 100,000 places included in the National Register of Historic Places, only three percent tell the stories of the Black American experience. The Center aims to change that, serving as a model for communities eager to uplift the stories of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Inspiring activism is at the heart of the Center’s mission. It seeks to nurture the next generation of passionate leaders who will advocate for a world that values all voices and contributions. With a robust calendar of workshops, community dialogues, and creative arts programming, the Center is poised to activate visitors and promote social change.

The impact of the Pauli Murray Center is profound. Recognized as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2015 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016, the Center hosts over 60 engagement programs annually, reaching thousands. For a decade, it has educated the public about Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray through various channels, building a national network of supporters and collaborators.