For Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation
For Ed Morris, history has been a life-long passion. Born in a 200 year old Wilson County farmhouse on land that has been in his family since 1749, Ed and his wife Cathy continue to maintain the historic family home. After graduation from Rock Ridge High School, Ed received an Associate of Arts degree from Mount Olive College, a Bachelor of Science degree in History with a minor in Chemistry from Campbell University, and a Master of Arts in History from North Carolina State University.
While in graduate school Ed worked part-time for what was then the Department of Archives and History. Upon completion of his graduate coursework – December, 1974 – Ed was offered a professional position with State Archives in what, by this time, was the Division of Archives and History in the newly formed Department of Cultural Resources. In a career spanning 32 years, Ed spent 25 years with State Archives – multiple positions including Head of Reference Services – and 7 years with the Division of State Historic Sites. His last position was as Chief of Museum and Visitor Services for the statewide Historic Sites system, including serving as Administrator of the State Capitol Building. Retired from state service in October 2005, since March 2006 Ed has worked for Wake Forest University as Director of the Wake Forest Birthplace Museum in the town of Wake Forest.
During his career Ed has contributed to numerous publications on North Carolina history and biography. He has been and continues to be very active in a number of professional organizations. As a founding member of the Society of North Carolina Archivists, Ed served that organization as director, treasurer, vice-president, and president; and, takes an active role in the North Carolina Museums Council. He has served as a director of the North Carolina Genealogical Society. Ed also served as an instructor in the NCSU Encore program for senior adults.
Currently, Ed serves on the advisory boards for the City of Raleigh’s Mordecai Historical Park and Wake County’s Historic Oakview County Park. He is an active member of Hayes Barton Church where he is a Deacon, Co-chair of the Church’s 75th and 85th Anniversary Committees, Chair of the Archives and History Committee, and a Sunday School officer. For the past twelve years, Ed has served on the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, currently in his fourth term as Chairman of that commission.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present the 2012 Anthemion Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation to C. Edward Morris.