North Carolina History Center | New Bern

The North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace, located in New Bern, North Carolina, is a modern, interactive museum and educational complex dedicated to the state's colonial and early American history. It is an extension of Tryon Palace, the reconstructed 18th-century governor’s residence that once served as the first permanent capitol of North Carolina.

Overview

Opened in 2010, the North Carolina History Center is situated along the banks of the Trent River and spans approximately 60,000 square feet. It represents a significant expansion of the Tryon Palace site and is designed not only to preserve history but also to engage visitors through innovative, immersive exhibits.

Key Features

1. Pepsi Family Center

This interactive exhibit is one of the center’s highlights, especially for families and school groups. It allows visitors to step back in time to a recreated 1835 coastal town. Through the use of hands-on activities and digital technology, guests can:

Print a newspaper

Serve aboard a sailing ship

Work in a 19th-century general store

Tend crops and run a kitchen

2. Regional History Museum

This section provides a chronological journey through Eastern North Carolina’s history, from Native American cultures to post-Civil War recovery. Exhibits include:

Artifacts from archaeological digs

Stories of enslaved and free African Americans

Panels on the American Revolution and Civil War

Agricultural and maritime heritage of the region

3. Changing Exhibits Gallery

The center also features rotating temporary exhibitions focused on state history, fine arts, or culturally significant themes. These exhibits frequently include loaned items from major institutions and private collections.

4. Culinary History and Waterfront Views

The History Center includes a café with waterfront seating, emphasizing local cuisine and farm-to-table traditions. This addition makes it not only a cultural but also a culinary destination.

5. LEED Certification and Sustainability

The building itself is an exhibit of environmental design. It was built with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification, featuring:

Rainwater harvesting systems

Reclaimed materials

Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC

Educational Role and Community Engagement

The North Carolina History Center hosts:

Workshops for teachers

Lectures and symposiums

School field trips

Special events like historical reenactments and craft fairs

Its digital studios and interactive kiosks provide tailored content for various learning levels, from children to adult scholars.

Connection to Tryon Palace

Although the North Carolina History Center stands as its own major attraction, it serves as the gateway to Tryon Palace itself. Visitors often begin their journey here before touring the palace grounds, formal gardens, and historic buildings, gaining historical context and narrative continuity.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Located in New Bern, the second-oldest European-settled colonial town in North Carolina and the former state capital, the History Center plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the state’s foundational eras. It reflects the state’s deep ties to colonial politics, commerce, and coastal life, making it a cornerstone institution for both tourism and education in Eastern North Carolina.