The St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc. (SJHF)

The St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation, Inc. (SJHF) founded in 1975, is an African American cultural and educational institution deeply rooted in the historic Hayti community of Durham, North Carolina. SJHF is dedicated to advancing cultural understanding through diverse programs that examine the experiences of Americans of African descent – locally, nationally and globally. The Foundation is committed to preserving, restoring and developing the Hayti Heritage Center, the former St. Joseph’s AME Church, a National Historic Landmark, as a cultural and economic anchor to the greater Durham community.

St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Join the growing Hayti family of contributors!

St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation, Inc. Priority Campaigns

Each fund targets a specific interest area. You can designate which interest area you would like your contribution to support.

Annual Fund Support

These unrestricted contributions are used on a daily basis for operating expenses and where the needs and opportunities are greatest.

Capital and Building Fund

These contributions are designated specifically for general maintenance of the historic St. Joseph’s AME Church building, now known as the Hayti Heritage Center, and the upkeep of the grounds surrounding the complex.

Program Fund Support

These funds are designated to support specific programs. These programs include: the Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery Exhibitions, Bull Durham Blues Festival, Spirit of Hayti Awards Ceremony and Gala, Heritage Arts for Youth Residency Programs, Concert Series (Jazz-Rhythm & Blues-Gospel), Kwanzaa Celebration, Raise-A-Reader Book Fair, Jambalaya Soul Slam, Hayti Heritage Film Festival, Hayti Heritage Golf Tournament, YouTh ink., Jambalaya Slam Academy, and the African Rhythms Dance Class.

Endowment Campaign

These funds are designated specifically to match the GlaxoSmithKline Endowment for the Chuck Davis Dance Studio and dance programming at the Hayti Heritage Center.

Pew and Theater Seat Drive

The Foundation achieved a major milestone in the 2001, celebrating the Grand Opening of the St. Joseph’s Performance Hall. Now is the perfect time for you to take ownership in the Triangle’s premier African American cultural arts center. For a tax-deductible contribution of $200, you can purchase a theatre seat in the balcony of this historic structure or for a bit more you can purchase one of the lovely pews on the main level. Your pew/seat will be adorned with a brass plaque bearing your name as an eternal contribution in your honor.

For more information about giving opportunities contact the Development Office at 919.683.1709 ext 28.