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Bill Wilson
The co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill Wilson co-founded A.A. in 1935 alongside Dr. Bob Smith. These documents include his writings, letters, speeches, and the personal story behind the founding of the world's most successful recovery program.
79 DocumentsAudio Talks
Original recordings of Bill Wilson speaking at AA conventions, anniversary dinners, Founders Day events, and other gatherings from 1947 through 1968.
Additional Bill W. Recordings
- Bill W — Spiritual Experience and Traditions (1966–1968 Compilation) — AA (1966)
Bill W discusses the origins and meaning of AA's Traditions, the importance of unity and common welfare, and recounts his own spiritual experience and the early days of AA. The talk includes reflections on the role of grace, the development of group conscience, and the dangers of ego in leadership.
- Bill W. — Memorial Tributes and Recorded Addresses (Compilation) — AA (Date Unknown)
A historical compilation of memorial tributes to Bill W. and recordings of his addresses, with remarks by other speakers and closing music. The component recordings have different or unconfirmed dates; this is not one continuous Bill W. talk.
- Bob S. & Sister Ignatia & Bill W. — Early AA Addresses and Recollections (Compilation) — AA (Date Unknown)
A compilation of historical addresses and recollections featuring Dr. Bob, Sister Ignatia and Bill W. Component recording dates vary or remain unconfirmed; this is not presented as one continuous panel.
- Bill W. — AA Hospital Work: Bill W. and Medical Professionals — AA (1960)
This is a historical AA Hospitals and Institutions (H&I) conference panel featuring Bill W., Dr. Bradley, Dr. Brightman, and others, discussing the development of AA-related hospital work, institutional cooperation, and the impact of AA on medical and public health approaches to alcoholism. The event includes significant testimony on the evolution of AA's relationship with hospitals and the medical community.
- Bill W. — Family Groups and Radio Interviews (Compilation) — Date Unknown
A compilation of Bill W. material concerning AA and family groups, including radio interviews. The source label mentions Salt Lake City and dates in the 1950s; the exact event sequence and locations are unconfirmed.
- Bill W. — The Third Legacy and Radio Interview Excerpts (Compilation) — AA (Date Unknown)
A compilation of Bill W. discussing AA’s Third Legacy, followed by radio interview excerpts. The opening address is labeled Fort Worth, 1954 in the source filename; the appended interviews have unconfirmed dates, and the final interview cuts off mid-sentence.
- Bill W. & Lois W. — Closing Meeting of the 1960 International Convention — AA (1960)
This is a historical recording from the 3rd AA International Convention in Long Beach, 1960, featuring Bill W. and Lois W. Bill discusses AA traditions, liberty, and relationships with outside agencies, while Lois shares about Al-Anon and its growth. The transcript includes both AA and Al-Anon perspectives and is not a compilation or reading by others.
- Sister Ignatia & Bill W. — Sister Ignatia & Bill W. Long Beach, CA — AA (1960)
This is a historical AA event featuring Sister Ignatia and Bill W. speaking about the early days of AA hospital work, sponsorship, and the spiritual foundation of recovery. The transcript includes personal recollections and AA history.
- Bill W. — Bill W. Message to Ann and Bob (Phone Call) — AA (Date Unknown)
Short historical recording of Bill W. addressing Ann and Bob, discussing AA organizational matters and personal well-wishes. No surnames or private information present. Event date and location are not specified.
- Lois W. & Bill W. — Early Al-Anon and the First World Service Conference — AL-ANON (1961)
This is a historical recording from the first Al-Anon World Service Conference in 1961, featuring talks by Lois W. and Bill W. They discuss the early days of AA and Al-Anon, the evolution of the fellowships, and the formation of Al-Anon's service structure.
- Jack N. & Bill W. — Close of 1964 General Service Conference – Warranties — AA (1964)
This is a historical AA recording featuring closing remarks by Dr. Jack N., then Chairman of the General Service Board, and Bill W, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, at the close of the 1964 General Service Conference. The talk covers leadership, humility, AA's history, and the warranties guiding the conference.
- Bill W. — God as We Understand Him — AA (1960)
Bill W. delivers a spiritual rededication talk at the 3rd AA International Convention, referencing the 25th anniversary and the importance of anonymity and spiritual principles. Lois also briefly addresses the audience.
- Bill W. — Two NY Radio Interviews of Bill W. (Weekday with Mike Wallace and Martha Dean show) — AA (Date Unknown)
This recording is a compilation of two historical New York radio interviews with Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the origins, growth, and principles of AA. The interviews include questions from hosts and testimony from another AA member, Eve, with no surnames given. No privacy-sensitive information or surnames of non-public members are present.
- Bill W. — Bill W. 18th Anniversary and Family Groups Reflections — AA (Date Unknown)
This is a historical AA anniversary talk by Bill W., with a segment by Lois W., reflecting on the growth of AA and the emergence of family groups (precursors to Al-Anon). The talk includes personal history, gratitude, and commentary on the evolving role of families in recovery.
- Bill W. — Recovery, Grace and the Spiritual Experience — AA (Date Unknown)
Bill W. reflects on recovery, surrender and grace, recounting his hospital experience and the spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. The source is labeled Bedford Hills, April 1947; that date and venue remain unconfirmed.
- Sister Ignatia & Bill W. — Hospital History and Bill W Spiritual Reflections (Compilation) — AA (Date Unknown)
A compilation of Sister Ignatia hospital-history recollections and Bill W spiritual reflections. The Bill segment matches the Indianapolis1966address, so this is not a single1960event.
In Their Own Hands
Explore seven letters involving Jim Burwell, Dr. Bob Smith, Hank Parkhurst and Bill Wilson in this three-minute film from our friends at Recovery Collectibles.
Watch in the Digital Recovery MuseumFilm and collection: Recovery Collectibles. Historical viewing and collection context.