Attmore-Oliver House | New Bern

The Attmore-Oliver House, located at 511 Broad Street in New Bern, North Carolina, is a significant historic residence that beautifully captures the architectural and social history of the city. It stands as one of New Bern’s oldest and most architecturally distinctive homes, reflecting a rich heritage that spans over two centuries.

Historical Background and Ownership

The house was initially constructed around 1790 by Samuel Chapman, a retired officer of the Continental Army who also served as the clerk of the Craven County Supreme Court. This original structure was a modest vernacular cottage typical of the late 18th century in the region. Upon Chapman's death in 1807, ownership of the house passed to his daughter Caroline Chapman.

In 1834, the house changed hands when Caroline sold it to Isaac Taylor, a prosperous maritime merchant prominent in New Bern’s thriving port economy. Taylor subsequently gifted the home to his daughter, Mary, and her husband, George Sitgreaves Attmore. During their ownership, between 1834 and 1835, the couple undertook significant expansions and renovations, transforming the house to incorporate elements of the Greek Revival style, which was gaining popularity in the United States during that period.

The Greek Revival additions elevated the architectural significance of the house, making it one of the earliest examples of this style in New Bern. The house remained in the hands of the Attmore family and later the Oliver family for over a century. In 1951, following the death of Mary Taylor Oliver, affectionately known as “Miss Mary,” the property was bequeathed to her nephews, who then sold it to the New Bern Historical Society in 1953. Since then, the house has served as the Society’s headquarters and a cultural hub, hosting events and educational programs.

Architectural Features

The Attmore-Oliver House is a three-story building with a striking white exterior and a complex architectural character that blends its original vernacular cottage roots with the later Greek Revival style.

Front Façade: The front elevation is the most visually impressive aspect of the house, showcasing hallmark features of Greek Revival architecture such as symmetrical proportions, classical lines, and a grand, columned porch. This porch extends across the front and imparts a sense of formality and grandeur.

Rear Façade: The back side of the house preserves more of the original 18th-century vernacular cottage style. It includes a two-story porch with simpler, more rustic detailing that reflects the building’s early, less formal origins.

Interior Layout: Inside, the house maintains period-appropriate architectural details such as wide plank floors, wooden staircases, decorative moldings, and fireplaces in many rooms. The blend of styles is evident in the interior as well, with some rooms retaining the simpler elegance of the original cottage while others boast the refined decorative elements of the Greek Revival era.

Museum and Exhibits

Today, the Attmore-Oliver House functions as a museum, offering visitors a window into 19th-century life in New Bern. The lower level is open for self-guided tours by appointment, allowing guests to explore several period rooms furnished with original or period-appropriate antiques, some of which belonged to the Attmore and Oliver families.

Key rooms accessible to visitors include:

Dining Room: Showcasing 19th-century furniture, tableware, and décor that reflect the lifestyle of a well-to-do coastal family.

Parlor and Sitting Room: Furnished with elegant Victorian-era pieces, these rooms demonstrate the social and family life of the house’s former occupants.

Civil War Exhibit: One of the significant features of the museum is an exhibit detailing the impact of the Civil War on New Bern, including the Battle of New Bern (1862) and how the house and its inhabitants were affected during this tumultuous period.

Attmore-Oliver Heritage Garden

Adjacent to the house is the Attmore-Oliver Heritage Garden, which serves as a living exhibit of 19th-century horticultural practices. The garden is designed based on an 1885 plant list compiled by Lavinia Cole Roberts, a local gardener, and features historic varieties of roses, native plants, herbs, and flowering shrubs that would have been typical in New Bern during the 19th century.

The garden is open daily during daylight hours and offers visitors a peaceful retreat reflecting the natural and cultural heritage of the region. It also acts as an educational tool, helping visitors understand the importance of gardens and plant life in historic Southern homes.

Cultural and Paranormal Reputation

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the Attmore-Oliver House is also noted locally for its reputation as one of New Bern’s most haunted locations. Stories and legends suggest the presence of lingering spirits, including that of “Miss Mary,” whose attachment to the house has become part of the folklore surrounding the property. This paranormal reputation attracts both historians and enthusiasts interested in ghost lore, adding a layer of mystique to the site.

Visitor Information and Public Access

The Attmore-Oliver House is open to the public by appointment, primarily during business hours Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to contact the New Bern Historical Society to arrange self-guided tours of the museum rooms.

The Heritage Garden is accessible daily without an appointment, providing a welcoming outdoor experience even for those who may not have time for a formal house tour.

Summary

The Attmore-Oliver House stands as a vital piece of New Bern’s architectural and social history. Its evolution from an 18th-century vernacular cottage to a sophisticated Greek Revival home mirrors the growth and prosperity of New Bern itself. The house’s continuous preservation by the New Bern Historical Society ensures that future generations can experience firsthand the lifestyles, history, and natural beauty of this coastal North Carolina community. Through its museum exhibits, heritage garden, and storied past, the Attmore-Oliver House remains a treasured landmark reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.