The Museum of Durham History invites the public to a special program on Friday, May 1 at 6pm, featuring authors Allen and Mack Paul in conversation about their forthcoming book, Miracle Road: The Story of Research Triangle Park (Duke University Press). The event will take place at the North Carolina Biotechnology Conference Center and is free and open to the public.
This moderated talk will offer attendees a deeper look into the history of Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of North Carolina’s most influential economic and cultural forces. The Pauls will discuss the origins and evolution of RTP, share insights into their research process, and explore the broader implications of the Park’s development for the region and beyond.
Drawing from extensive archival work and years of research and interviews, Miracle Road examines how RTP emerged from a bold mid-20th-century vision to become a global center for innovation. The program will also provide a sneak preview of the book, offering audiences an early look at new perspectives on the Park’s impact and legacy.
Research for Miracle Road served as a foundational resource for the Museum of Durham History’s current exhibit, Made in the Triangle: The Story of RTP. This program also marks the culminating event of the exhibition, which remains on view at the Museum (500 W. Main St.) through May 10, 2026.
“This program is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the authors behind one of the most comprehensive new histories of Research Triangle Park,” said Museum Executive Director Patrick Mucklow. “Their work provides context for understanding of how RTP has shaped Durham, the Triangle, and North Carolina as a whole.”
Event Details:
What: Author Talk – Miracle Road: The Story of Research Triangle Park
Who: Allen and Mack Paul
When: Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Conference Center at NCBiotech | North Carolina Biotechnology Center | 15 T.W. Alexander Drive Durham, NC 27713
Cost: Free and open to the public
About the Museum of Durham History (MoDH)
Opened in 2013, the Museum of Durham History is an innovative 21st-century museum that uses stories about people, places and things to foster curiosity, encourage further exploration and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its history. The Museum is located at 500 W. Main St., in the heart of Durham’s vibrant downtown. The Museum is free of charge and open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. For more information, see modh.org
About the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Since 1959, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina has served Research Triangle Park (RTP) in its mission to facilitate collaboration among our region’s industries, universities, and workforce, and create economic impact for the residents of North Carolina by attracting the world’s most innovative companies and top-tier talent. Comprised of 7,000 acres, its boundaries are centrally located among Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Contributing $25.1 billion in annual economic impact to North Carolina, RTP is home to 55,000 employees and more than 385 companies and national labs, including Apple, BASF, Biogen, Cisco Systems, EPA, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Labcorp, Lenovo, Lilly, NetApp, NIEHS, RTI International and United Therapeutics. For more information, visit https://rtp.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Smith Lee, MoDH Programs and Operations Coordinator, manager@modh.org