On June 20th, 2026, the Museum was thrilled to honor Jean Bradley Anderson with a commemorative History Grove plaque and bench. Jean Anderson has been instrumental in preserving the history and environment of our city, county, and state. She is the author of several books on local and state history, including the definitive Durham County: A History of Durham County, North Carolina. Robert Durden, Duke history professor and author, said of her book: “Splendidly comprehensive and carefully researched, this book is unusual among county histories…in its sophisticated attention to national context and its sensitivity to all segments of the population. A superb book.”

Anderson has been a key figure in numerous local preservation efforts including the Eno River Association, Preservation Durham, Historic Stagville, and Ayr Mount in Hillsborough. She conducted research for the North Carolina Office of Archives and History, contributing to the prize-winning, multi-volume series, The Way We Lived in North Carolina.

As a historian, Jean was fascinated by the early history of the mills that were built along the county’s rivers. As an environmentalist, she opposed a dam being erected on the Eno by leading hikes, writing articles, and accompanying Margaret Nygard (who led the effort) to countless meetings until a better alternative was found, and the city capitulated.

The turnout at the event was magnificent, showing what an impact Jean has had on the community. With Jean herself in attendance, along with her family and friends, and many people her work has touched over the years, it was a blowout celebration! Dozens of people came to show their support and discuss how Jean and her work shaped their lives and the communities here in Durham. Museum board member Cindy Gardiner, and longtime friend of the Museum, Lynn Richardson, made the morning event a success, and the dedication of the history grove such a memorable experience for all in attendance.

The Anderson History Grove has been established temporarily on the grounds of the Museum of Durham History and will be moved to a permanent location at West Point on the Eno Park in 2027, after park renovation in completed.