Welcome home.
Durham's cultural anchor since 1891.
This building has been gathering us since 1891. It was a church before it was a stage, so today, we still honor the legacy of this space with song, praise, and rich community. Whether it's your first time or your thousandth, we've been expecting you.
Welcome home.
Durham's cultural anchor since 1891.
This building has been gathering us since 1891. It was a church before it was a stage, so today, we still honor the legacy of this space with song, praise, and rich community. Whether it's your first time or your thousandth, we've been expecting you.
A building, a team, a vision
Hayti is the cultural anchor for Durham's Black community.
Since 1975, Hayti Heritage Center has stood as a guardian of cultural memory, community connection, and Black creative excellence. Our team gives life to this brick-and-mortar by preserving and propelling Black culture: cultivating space for artists to create without apology, calling communities in to learn, grow, and thrive, and curating events where all of Durham can come home to itself.
The Hayti Heritage Center 2026-27 season
We got a seat with your name on it
This season, our stage will hold truth-telling and gospel, homecomings and premieres, prose that will make the pews blush, and a parking lot we’ll turn into a dance floor. This season, we’re celebrating old things seen freshly, and new things that feel homemade (because nearly everything you’ll find here is). Come claim your seat.
Gather here, all year long
Beyond the stage, Hayti Heritage Center is where our local community shows up for each other; through recurring community gatherings, classes, and open studio time in our classrooms and dance room. This is culture as daily practice, and everyone’s invited to partake — we like to say each one of our events feels like a hug (with a warm, gentle shake).
Get involved
By us, for us, with us.
Our Center isn't just a place to visit; it's a place to build. Give what you can, show up when you're able, and if you're an artist, claim your space.
Donate
Every gift keeps this landmark in vibrant condition, our programming unforgettable, and our artists compensated for their work.
Volunteer
Lend your time and talents and become part of how Hayti shows up for its community at events and other initiatives.
Artist membership
Join for free and subsidized studio space, priority booking, and connections to a strong community of working artists.
Donate
Every gift keeps this landmark in vibrant condition, our programming unforgettable, and our artists compensated for their work.
Artist membership
Join for free and subsidized studio space, priority booking, and connections to a strong community of working artists.
Volunteer
Lend your time and talents and become part of how Hayti shows up for its community at events and other initiatives.
Donate
Every gift keeps this landmark in vibrant condition, our programming unforgettable, and our artists compensated for their work.
Join the Choir
Become a Hayti Heritage Center Sustainer
Members get early ticket access, member-only events, and a genuine seat at the table — starting at $19.75/month. Cancel anytime; we'd rather earn your membership than lock you into it.
Hayti headlines
Restoring, reimagining, reaching — our news spotlights the voices, partnerships, and milestones shaping Hayti's next chapter.