Why Local History Matters: Honoring Jean Bradley Anderson and Her History of Durham County
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Durham County Library’s North Carolina Collection and the Museum of Durham History present a celebration in honor of historian Jean Bradley Anderson’s 100th birthday. Jean has written a number of books and articles on local and state history, including the definitive history of Durham County. Her research papers are housed in Durham County Library’s North Carolina Collection, and her work is a vital resource for those conducting local history research. Her trailblazing Durham County: A History of Durham County, North Carolina first came to market in 1990 and was updated with a second edition in 2011. Durham County Library’s North Carolina Collection houses Anderson’s research papers. Her history of Durham County continues to inspire new generations of historians and remains a wellspring of information for those conducting research on Durham County.
Judge Willis Whichard, local politician and founding president of the Durham Library Foundation, will moderate a panel discussion titled “Why Local History Matters.” The panel will consist of former UNC Chapel Hill North Carolina Collection curator Bob Anthony, Historic Stagville site manager Vera Cecelski, former public school teacher and Durham City Council member Eddie Davis, jazz vocalist and Self Help senior fellow Lois Deloatch, City of Raleigh director of the Museum Section Ernest Dollar, History Advisory Committee member John Schelp, and local journalist and historian Jim Wise. There will be a question-and-answer session with Anderson and the panelists following the discussion.
“Jean Bradley Anderson’s books are a vital resource for those interested in learning about Durham’s rich history,” said Lauren Panny, head of Durham County Library’s North Carolina Collection. “We are thrilled to be able to honor her in this way.”
Library Director Tammy Baggett is also enthusiastic about Anderson’s centenary festivities. “Durham’s local history is a microcosm of our broader national history,” said Baggett. “Our celebration of Jean Bradley Anderson not only honors an incredible individual, but also recognizes the importance of our local histories.”