Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
On Saturday, the Durham County Library was buzzing with a celebration of a remarkable milestone: the 100th birthday of Jean Bradley Anderson, a historian whose contributions have illuminated the nuances of Durham’s past.
Anderson’s legacy is embodied in the Jean Bradley Anderson Papers, a treasure trove spanning decades from 1934 to 2012 comprising a mosaic of correspondence, research notes, photographs, and more. This collection is a testament to her lifelong dedication to unearthing, preserving, and sharing the stories that define Durham County.
At the heart of this celebration is Anderson’s seminal work, “Durham County: A History of Durham County, North Carolina”. The comprehensive 596-page volume chronicling Durham’s history from the seventeenth century to the twentieth was initially published in 1990 and later updated with a second edition in 2011. This book has stood as a beacon for new scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, shaping the understanding of the city’s past and inspiring future generations of historians.
Born in Philadelphia in 1924, Anderson spent a decade at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining her M.A. and nearly completing her Ph.D. dissertation. Carl, her husband, finished his Ph.D. in 1955, leading to a move to Durham, where he joined the English department at Duke University. Recollecting their arrival, Anderson notes the unpaved roads and sparse traffic in the area at the time.
The family later relocated to the countryside after residing on Chapel Hill Road for ten years. It was here that Anderson’s interest in history was sparked by an old cemetery on their property, igniting her passion for researching the local families.
Following changes to Duke University’s freshman program in 1959, Anderson taught courses at the university for three years before the family embarked on a sabbatical. Subsequently, she established herself as a historian and professional genealogist, catering to the growing demand for ancestral research services in North Carolina.
Fascinated by Durham’s pre-Civil War history, particularly the transformation of Dillardsville into Prattsburg, Anderson immersed herself in her research. Over the years, she authored several books, including “The Kirklands of Ayr Mount: Carolinian on the Hudson: The Life of Robert Donaldson,” and “Piedmont Plantation: The Bennehan-Cameron Family and Lands in North Carolina.”
Additionally, she contributed to various collaborative projects, such as “27 Views of Durham: The Bull City in Prose & Poetry,” showcasing the diverse perspectives of local writers on their city and county.
Judge Willis Whichard, an esteemed local figure and founding president of the Durham Library Foundation, steered a panel discussion titled “Why Local History Matters.”
Bringing together luminaries such as former UNC-Chapel Hill North Carolina Collection curator Bob Anthony, Historic Stagville site manager Vera Cecelski, and jazz vocalist Lois Deloatch, among others, the event offered profound insights into the significance of preserving and honoring a shared community.
Lauren Panny, Head of Durham County Library’s North Carolina Collection, stressed the role of Anderson’s work.
“Jean Bradley Anderson’s books are a vital resource for those interested in learning about Durham’s rich history. We are thrilled to be able to honor her in this way,” Panny said.
Tammy Baggett, the Library Director, echoed this sentiment, underlining the broader implications of commemorating Anderson’s centenary.
“Durham’s local history is a microcosm of our broader national history. Our celebration of Jean Bradley Anderson not only honors an incredible individual but also recognizes the importance of our local histories,” Baggett said.
The event culminated in a question-and-answer session, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with Anderson and the esteemed panelists, fostering dialogue and deepening their appreciation for Durham’s enduring legacy.
Nowadays, Anderson devotes much of her time to crafting short memoirs about her life for her descendants to cherish—two children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
