History
Our story starts with Sarah Ellen Walters Durham. Sarah Walters was born on March 8, 1858. She was the daughter of a successful farmer in Montgomery County. Sarah married George T. Durham, a prominent banker, in December 1893.
In 1900, George and Sarah built their home on West Main Street in Crawfordsville, Indiana, just west of the Town Square. The home is an impressive example of renaissance revival of the area. The Durham's spared no expense when building the home, including the extravagant woodwork throughout, combination gas and electric lighting fixtures, ornate fireplace surrounds, and large stained-glass windows. George and Sarah were married for 44 years until George's passing in February 1944. Sarah died later that same year in July. They had no children.
Sarah had a vision of providing a home for women with a genteel, home-like comfortable environment. She left provisions in her will for their beautiful home to become "A Ladies Home" named "Durham Home" in memory of herself and her husband. She established a trust with the Durham Farms to provide for maintenance of the home. The Durham Foundation was established as a 501(c) 3 organization in 1944 and is the beneficiary Durham Home Trust and administrator of Durham Home. Since then, The Durham Foundation has been providing a home for women for over 80 years. Durham Home is proud to be included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although our story started with the benevolent nature of Sarah Durham donating her home, The Durham Foundation has expanded Sarah's legacy to be so much more. From adding green space to enhance Durham Home, providing scholarships to women in the community, and creating initiatives that support, empower, and inspire women of all ages; we are committed making a positive difference in the lives of women.
Executive Team
Lucy Moody serves as the Executive Director for The Durham Foundation. Lucy joined the Board of Directors in 1983 and has been an active member ever since. In 2018 Lucy took on the role of Deputy Director and became the Executive Director in 2022. Lucy is a lifetime resident of Montgomery County and is proud to serve The Durham Foundation to continue the legacy that Sarah Durham created in 1937.
Contact Lucy at Lucy@durhamhome.com
Executive Team
Shirley O'Neall is the Director Emerita for The Durham Foundation. Shirley joined the Board of Directors in 1972. Under her leadership of over 50 years the organization has gone through many positive changes including a complete renovation of Durham Home to make single apartments suitable for the contemporary independent woman. In 2012, Shirley became the first Executive Director of Durham Home. Shirley believes that The Durham Foundation serves a vital role in helping and promoting the women of Montgomery County, Indiana. Shirley can be reached at shirley@durhamhome.com.
Board of Directors
Cheryl Cunningham, PE serves as the President and Treasurer on the Board of Directors of The Durham Foundation. Cheryl was the co-owner and president of her civil engineering company, located in Avon, Indiana, for over 25 years. She is also the co-founder of "I Can Be An Engineer," a 501(c)3 organization created to inform and excite young children about engineering with the goal to inspire more girls to become engineers.
Board of Directors
Sue Lucas serves as the Vice President on the The Durham Foundation Board of Directors. Sue is a very active member of the community and for 10 years, served as the Program Manager for the Crawfordsville Main Street organization, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Crawfordsville Commercial Historic District. She is also president of Sustainable Initiatives of Montgomery County, an organization that serves to encourage and activate environmental wellness projects in the community.
Board of Directors
Chet Parsons, PE serves as the Secretary on the The Durham Foundation Board of Directors. Chet is a civil engineer by trade and founded Parsons Cunningham, & Shartle Engineers, Inc., a civil engineering and surveying company located in Avon, Indiana. In 2018, after over 30 years in the engineering business, Chet retired and now brings his engineering ingenuity and problem solving skills to the board.
Board of Directors
Adam Moody is a lifetime resident and farmer of Montgomery County, Indiana and serves on The Durham Foundation Board of Directors. Adam was the founder of Moody Meats, Inc. and co-founder of Honey Creek Legacy, LLC.
Board of Directors
Chuck Phillips serves on The Durham Foundation Board of Directors. Chuck is a very active member of the community and has served as a board member for over 20 years. He is the president and founder of No Sail Splashguard, Inc.
Associate Board of Directors
Caryn Heisel serves as the associate board member on The Durham Foundation Board of Directors. Caryn is a lifelong Montgomery County resident and Business Development Officer at Hoosier Heartland State Bank. She is an active participant on various boards and non-profits.