Directories

Durham City and County Directories
Published yearly from the late 1800s to the present, the Durham city directories provide a snapshot of Durham residents and businesses within the city limits. They are divided into two main sections: 1) an alphabetical listing by last name and 2) a listing by street address. Genealogists, historic preservationists, people doing environmental impact statements, and many others find them useful. The North Carolina Collection has print editions back to 1911, as well as microfilm editions of the 1887-1960 editions. Editions from 1875 through 1963 are available online at DigitalNC. Some unique directories, such as Mangum’s Directory of Durham and Suburbs, include residents and businesses outside the city limits.

Durham Telephone Directories
Phone books: 1927, 1950—2016

Greater Durham Area Cross Reference Directories
A directory using telephone numbers and street addresses. 1962—Present

North Carolina State Directories
State and business directories often have Durham sections and may cover years prior to the publication of city directories. For example, Beveridge & Co.’s North Carolina State Directory was published in 1877/78. It lists Durham businesses and owners and includes advertisements.

Charles Emerson’s NC Tobacco Belt Directory 1886
This directory includes Durham County businesses, business and professional men, and landowners in the county. It distinguishes Black businesses and landowners by placing an asterisk before their name.