Durham County Library to Celebrate Durham Historian Jean Bradley Anderson

Durham, NC — On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Durham County Library will celebrate the 100th birthday of Jean Bradley Anderson, a local historian who has made immeasurable contributions to the understanding of Durham’s past. 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.”

About Durham County Library

Durham County Library encourages discovery, connects the community, and leads in literacy. As a department of Durham County Government, the library furthers Goal 1 of the county’s Strategic Plan by enhancing cultural, educational, and creative opportunities. For more information about the library, visit DurhamCountyLibrary.org.