Forest Hills in Durham in Durham County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans
(February 21, 1920 – January 25, 2012)
In 1951, Mary Semans was the first woman elected to the Durham City Council, and she served as mayor pro-tem from 1953-55. While in office, she focused on civil rights, affordable housing, cultural enrichment opportunities, and humane medical care. In the 1960s Mary was instrumental in starting the North Carolina School of the Arts. She served as a trustee for the School of the Arts and duke University for 20 years. Mary was a leader in the establishment of the Duke University Museum of Art and, decades later, its transition to the Nasher Museum of Art.
Her dedicated service to the community, education, and arts has been recognized over the years with many honors including the Duke University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service; the National Governors Association Distinguished Service Award; the Humanitarian Freedom Award, presented by the Durham Chapter of Hadassah; the North Carolina Philanthropy Award; and induction into the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Government & Politics • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1951.
Location. 35° 58.951′ N, 78° 55.083′ W. Marker is in Durham, North Carolina, in Durham County. It is in Forest Hills. Marker is on West Forest Hills Boulevard north of Westwood Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1044 W Forest Hills Blvd, Durham NC 27707, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Sprunt Hill (approx. 0.7 miles away); Home (approx. 0.7 miles away); Family (approx. 0.7 miles away); Impact (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pauli (approx. 0.7 miles away); Robert Franklin Durden (approx. 0.8 miles away); American Tobacco Trail (approx. 0.9 miles away); J.T. & Mamie Christian House (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Durham.
Also see . . . Mary Semans. Wikipedia entry on the heiress, activist, politician, and philanthropist. (Submitted on September 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.