New Bern Historical Society | New Bern

The New Bern Historical Society is a well-established and respected organization located in New Bern, North Carolina. Founded in 1923, its mission is to celebrate, preserve, and share the rich and diverse history of New Bern and the surrounding Craven County region. The Society plays a major role in the community by offering educational programming, maintaining historic sites, preserving artifacts, and organizing cultural events that bring the area's heritage to life for both residents and visitors.

1. Headquarters: The Attmore–Oliver House

Location: 511 Broad Street, New Bern, NC

Historic Significance: The house dates back to circa 1790, with major additions in the 1830s. It is one of New Bern's most architecturally and historically significant residences.

Use: While no longer a traditional museum, the Attmore–Oliver House now functions as the administrative center for the Historical Society. It houses archival materials, exhibits, and office space.

Haunted Reputation: The home is frequently featured in paranormal tours and stories, particularly during the Society's annual Ghostwalk event.

Tours: While not generally open for daily walk-in tours, private or group visits can be arranged by appointment for those interested in the structure's architecture and legacy.

2. New Bern Battlefield Park

Size: Over 27 acres of preserved Civil War battlefield land.

Historical Context: Site of the Battle of New Bern on March 14, 1862, a significant Union victory early in the war.

Features:

36 interpretive panels detailing troop movements, battle strategies, and personal stories.

A large-scale concrete battlefield map for visualizing the conflict.

A visitor plaza with benches, picnic tables, and green space.

Access: Open daily from dawn to dusk for self-guided exploration. Guided group tours are available by request, especially for schools and historical organizations.

3. Educational Programs

The Society provides diverse opportunities for education and engagement:

Lunch & Learn Series: Regularly scheduled midday lectures on local history, military events, cultural shifts, and notable individuals from New Bern's past.

Student Engagement: Partnerships with schools, providing curriculum-based programming and historical resources for local teachers.

Workshops & Seminars: Focused events for adult learners covering genealogy, historic preservation techniques, and archival research.

Public Lectures: Talks by historians, authors, and subject matter experts on a variety of regional topics.

4. Signature Events

Ghostwalk

Held annually in October, this event blends storytelling, local folklore, theatrical performance, and historic interpretation.

Attendees walk through downtown New Bern and encounter costumed interpreters portraying long-departed residents.

Popular among families, history enthusiasts, and fans of the paranormal.

Heritage Homes and Gardens Tour

Spring event offering exclusive access to private historic homes, gardens, and landmarks in downtown New Bern.

Often features docents in period costume, floral displays, and information on restoration techniques.

Day Trips and Special Tours

Occasionally, the Society arranges regional field trips to other historic towns, plantations, battlefields, or museums across North Carolina.

5. African American Heritage Trail

A community-focused initiative launched to honor the contributions of African Americans to New Bern’s development.

16 interpretive panels across 10 historically significant sites in neighborhoods such as Craven Terrace and Dryborough.

Highlights include early educational institutions, civic leaders, churches, and civil rights efforts.

Designed for self-guided exploration, often incorporated into walking tours.

6. Research Resources

The Society maintains a collection of photographs, maps, manuscripts, genealogical records, and property histories.

While it is not a full public research library, access can be arranged for specific projects or academic work.

Volunteers and staff assist with historical inquiries, especially those related to:

Family genealogy

Historic property ownership

Architectural history

Cultural transitions in the region

7. Membership and Volunteering

Membership Levels range from individuals to corporate sponsors, each with benefits such as:

Discounted or free event tickets

Invitations to members-only lectures and receptions

Newsletters and priority registration for events

Volunteers play an essential role, helping with:

Event logistics

Battlefield preservation

Archival work

Educational programming

Serving as docents for special tours

8. Governance and Partnerships

The New Bern Historical Society is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors.

It works closely with city officials, the Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, and various local heritage groups to coordinate preservation efforts and promote tourism.

The organization also applies for grants and participates in regional preservation networks to ensure continued care of historic landmarks.

9. Visitor Information

Location: 511 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28560

Phone: (252) 638-8558

Office Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Parking: Available on site and nearby.

Accessibility: The office and battlefield site have provisions for accessibility, though some historic spaces may have limited access due to their age.

The New Bern Historical Society plays a vital role in maintaining and sharing the story of a city deeply embedded in American history, from colonial times through the Civil War and into the present day. Their commitment to education, preservation, and community engagement ensures that New Bern’s layered and multicultural past remains alive and relevant.