Durham County Library to Collaborate on Architectural Modernism Program

Durham, NC — On January 7, 2023, Durham County Library will partner with several community organizations on a program entitled Mayberry Modernism: North Carolina’s Modernist Legacy. Featuring a headline lecture by USModernist and NCModernist founder George Smart, Mayberry Modernism will also include screenings of four documentary films throughout the day. The lecture will begin at 10 a.m. at the Phail Wynn, Jr. Student Services Center located at 1625 Cooper Street on Durham Technical Community College’s Campus.

“Not many people know that North Carolina is a hotbed for residential modernism,” said Carter Cue, Durham County Library’s leading contributor to the event. “We’re proud to be part of the long tradition of modernism in the South going back to the founding of North Carolina State University’s School of Design by legendary modernist architect Henry Kamphoefner.”

Documentary films shown throughout the day will include Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman, Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner, Philip Johnson: Diary of an Eccentric Architect, and Regular or Super: Views on Mies van der Rohe. All programs throughout the event will be free and open to the public.

This program is supported by grant funds from the Durham Library Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings the library to life through fundraising, programming grants, and support for unique projects. The program represents a partnership between Durham County Library, Durham Technical Community College, Cassilhaus, Diversify Architecture, the NC Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, Durham Public Schools Career and Technical Education, the Nasher Museum at Duke University, NCModernist, and AIA Triangle.

Durham County Library encourages discovery, connects the community, and leads in literacy. As a department of Durham County Government, the library furthers Goal 1 of the county’s Strategic Plan by enhancing cultural, educational, and creative opportunities. For more information about the library, visit DurhamCountyLibrary.org.