Edwin C. Bridges
The
Alabama Department of Archives and History was the first state
archive in the nation when it was established in 1901. Today,
under the visionary leadership of Ed Bridges, it continues as
a model for archives, libraries, and institutions that preserve
the records and artifacts that tell our nation’s story.
“What I have loved most is the intersection of history and
current policy, and the way they come together in an archive,”
says Bridges.
Born and raised in Bainbridge, Georgia, Bridges nearly followed
his father and grandfather in becoming a country doctor. But an
extraordinary college professor, the late William Leverett, a
native of Selma, became a mentor and gave his pupil an abiding
love of history. Bridges received his undergraduate degree at
Furman, and his M.A. and Ph.D. at The University of Chicago. He
taught at Georgia Tech and did historical research before joining
the Georgia Department of Archives and History, eventually becoming
assistant director.
In 1982 he became director of the Alabama Department of Archives
and History, the only person from outside the state to hold the
position. “In a sense Ed was the quintessential outsider
in a state that likes insiders,” says historian Wayne Flynt.
“But no one now can think of history in Alabama without
thinking of Ed Bridges.”
At the Archives, Bridges modernized the catalog and descriptions
of collections, improved reference services, and stressed community
outreach. He secured funding for an addition to the building,
which will provide much needed space for the interpretation of
Alabama’s history.
A respected leader in his field, Bridges helped develop the University
of Pittsburgh Institute for Advanced Archival Studies, represented
the U.S. in an exchange with archivists from the Soviet Union,
has published in journals devoted to archives and history, and
served on national and international organizations devoted to
archives, libraries, and historical research.
Bridges is also a tremendous asset for his adopted state. His
work with Leadership Alabama is a perfect illustration of his
talent for placing history in service of public policy. “What
Ed has done with his staff is to take the archives out into the
community,” says Flynt. “He’s made it a resource
in every community in the state
of Alabama.”
Not surprisingly, others, most recently the Truman Presidential
Library, have tried to lure him away. His decision to stay in
the state that he has done so much to cultivate is good fortune
indeed.
