Durham History Museum Holiday Match Giving Program Receives Boost From Aaron Spaulding
DURHAM, NC – The Museum of Durham History has been given a “Giving Tuesday Gift” from a member of a prominent local family. Aaron Spaulding was so inspired by museum board member Ruth and Victor Dzau’s $5,000-holiday match challenge, he surprised the museum with his own special gift, committing to increasing the matching challenge by another $5,000.
Spaulding makes this gift in honor of his parents, Asa and Elna, in recognition of their numerous contributions to the Durham community, and lasting legacy of building a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Durham and the greater Triangle. All gifts through the end of 2021 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 by the museum board of directors and Mr. Spaulding.
The Spaulding family has a long history dating back many generations, having a profound impact on Durham’s history. Asa Spaulding became the actuary for the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1932 and then served as its President from 1959-1968. As well as being the first African-American actuary in the country, he was also the first to serve on the Durham Country Board of Commissioners and the first to be elected to the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame.
Elna Spaulding formed and led the organization Women-in-Action for the Prevention of Violence and its Causes. The group of 100 women met in their homes across Durham to establish trust across race and class lines. Her effective leadership helped her win the election as Durham’s first female county commissioner in 1974 and she served for five terms.
“We are so honored to partner with Mr. Spaulding on this matching challenge and moved by his passion for the MoDH and our mission. The Spaulding family has helped to shape the cultural, social, and political landscapes of Durham throughout its history into the present and will provide a meaningful voice in imagining our future,” Ruth Dzau said of the collaboration.
The museum attributes its ability to overcome pandemic-related challenges to individuals such as Dzau and Spaulding to help the organization survive financially. “The community, including our public and private supporters, helped us to look at challenges as opportunities, to reimagine our model, evolve our vision for the future, and innovate new ways to bring the museum to our community,” said Executive Director Patrick Mucklow.
Holiday donations of $50 or more will receive a bag of Ginger Snaps from Ninth Street Bakery, as well as a Museum of Durham History t-shirt. Any donation of $100 or more will receive a one-of-a-kind tote bag made using weatherproof banners from previous exhibits. CLICK HERE to make your matching gift donation.
About the Museum of Durham History (MoDH)
Founded in 2013, the Museum of Durham History is an emerging and innovative 21st-century museum that uses stories about people, places, and things to foster curiosity, encourage further exploration and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its history. The museum is located at 500 W. Main St., in the heart of Durham’s vibrant downtown. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm and is adhering to Covid-related mask, social distancing protocols. For more information, see www.modh.org.