As people often do, we tend to forget the past and concentrate on the future until we reach an age when life’s final doors are closing around us. In 1994, a group of interested citizens became concerned that much of the town’s history would be lost in the name of progress. As a result , the Bridgeport Historical Society was formed. Attendees in the beginning were Wanda Dixon, Ann Scott, Joe Jackson, Ed Cowling, Benny Trammel, Linda Saylor, Addie Ruth Green, Steve Curley and Frank (Petie) Bordner. In 1995 additional people beginning to attend were Kathy Stinnet, Pasty Sides, Ann Nimmo , Pat Younger, Virginia Wood, Bill Paschal, Nevesta Jones, Roy Slonaker and Maria Umland. In November of 1995, the first set of officers were elected and installed.

The Society’s primary purpose is to rediscover, perpetuate, and/or preserve the history the area of Wise County known as Bridgeport and its surroundings. The organization has grown steadily since its beginning.

The society has marked about a dozen historical sites throughout the city with plaques, and the State of Texas has recognized four of the sites. These sites can be viewed on the City Historical Sites and the State Historical Marker sections of this site.