Bennett Place State Historic Site in Durham, NC, will host a two-day event on April 25-26 to mark the 160th anniversary of the Civil War surrender and the end of slavery in North Carolina. According to a release from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the event aims to observe this important moment in American history.
The first of the two programs, "The Promise of Peace: Slavery’s End in North Carolina," takes place from 7-9:30 p.m. on April 25, highlighting how the Civil War surrenders brought about the long-awaited fulfillment of freedom, and, "visitors learn more about the Bennett Place surrender negotiations and the experiences of enslaved women, men, and children who experienced freedom with the close of the Civil War," as the N.C. DNCR outlines. The site will display 1,324 luminaries representing the enslaved population from that time, and musician Shana Tucker will provide background performances to create a reflective atmosphere.
The following day's event, "Uneasy Peace: Bennett Place Surrenders 160th Anniversary." The site will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring living history interpreters dressed as Civil War soldiers and civilians. These interpreters will reenact discussions between U.S. General William T. Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, as outlined by N.C. DNCR, offering insight into how these conversations at Bennett farmhouse have shaped history.
Bennett Place State Historic Site, located on land once farmed by James and Nancy Bennett, includes reconstructed structures such as the farmhouse, kitchen, and smokehouse, reflecting daily life of a Southern farmer during the Civil War era. For those attending the April 26 event, tickets will be priced at $5 for adults and $2 for children, seniors, and military personnel. Tickets can be purchased on-site, with cash preferred, though cards are also accepted.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is responsible for preserving the state’s historical and cultural sites, managing over a hundred locations that include historic landmarks, art museums, state parks, and aquariums. Their mission aims to support education, economic development, public health, accessibility, and community resilience, contributing to the state’s broader historical narrative.
