Duke Homestead State Historic Site and the Duke Homestead History and Education Corporation (DHHEC) are teaming up to bring vintage base ball (yes, two words) back to the historic Durham Athletic Park.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, players will put on a show as they play three games while wearing authentic period uniforms, following the 1860s rules of the game, and using 19th century-style equipment. Duke Homestead is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).
The home team representing Duke Homestead, the Durham Station Lucky Strikes, will face off against the Shiners Base Ball Club of Rockingham, Va., and a special team from the Durham Fire Department. The first game starts at 11 a.m., with additional games at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to come dressed in historical, vintage, or retro inspired outfits. Between games, kids can run the bases and play historic games with costumed interpreters. To round out the experience, beer and old-fashioned concessions will be available for sale throughout the day.
Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission to the games is $10 for ages 5 and older while children under 4 will be admitted free. Game tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite, or in person at the Duke Homestead visitor center and at the gate on game day. The Durham Athletic Park is located at 500 W. Corporation St. Free parking for the game is available at the lot at 412 Morris St. via a QR code provided at the ticket/check-in table. Limited handicap spaces are available in the DAP parking lot.
The event is hosted by the DHHEC, Duke Homestead’s volunteer, non-profit support organization, and sponsored by Measurement, Inc., Stone Brothers & Byrd, Durham Sports Commission, Hog Heaven Barbeque, and Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory. All proceeds from the game go to support Duke Homestead’s special events, site maintenance, and staff development.
The iconic Durham Athletic Park has hosted baseball games since 1926 and was even featured in an iconic baseball film, but Durham’s baseball roots are even deeper. The first century of baseball was marked by racial segregation and separate leagues for Black and white athletes at the DAP until the 1950s; however, Duke Homestead welcomes all people to participate and honors the struggles and achievements of the many players over the past century who helped shape the Durham baseball culture we know today.
About Duke Homestead State Historic Site
Duke Homestead State Historic Site encompasses the historic home, farm, and factory buildings of Washington Duke and his family as they lived on the property from 1852 until 1874. The site interprets the early farming life of the Duke family and the beginnings of their tobacco manufacturing business on the property after the Civil War. The site is located at 2828 Duke Homestead Rd., in Durham, N.C. For more information, call or email the site: 919-627-6990 or duke@dncr.nc.gov.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.