Editor’s note: Many people know the building on the 200 block of Craven Street in New Bern as City Hall … that’s what the sign near its roof calls it. More often, it’s called Old City Hall. It once served as New Bern City Hall before city government moved to the corner of Craven and Pollock streets. Historians have discovered an even earlier use for the old building, hidden in plain sight. By Claudia Houston, NBHS Historian New Bern Historical Society (NBHS) announced the discovery of an existing building in downtown that served as both a Confederate and Union hospital during the Civil War. HistorianRead More →

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A soldier, a doctor, a photographer, a social activist, a groundbreaking nurse. These and many other amazing women called New Bern home. The New Bern Historical Society invites you to meet these ladies online as it celebrate March as Women’s History Month. The first group is called Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Deeds. They can be found at www.NewBernHistorical.org/virtual-programs. Celebrate the accomplishments of New Bern’s history makers with a virtual visit from five remarkable women. From the 19th and 20th centuries and varied walks of life, these women will share their inspiring stories in their own words. These powerful yet humble characters will tell you how, while theyRead More →

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On Saturday, March 6, Tryon Palace will present its new exhibit, “A Lasting Monument: Creating North Carolina’s First Permanent Capitol,” in the Duffy Gallery of the North Carolina History Center. The exhibit celebrates 250 years of Governor Tryon’s Palace, from 1770 to 2020. One of North Carolina’s most beautiful historic landmarks, the story of this elegant Georgian-style structure reveals a complex, multi-faceted journey through North Carolina’s history beginning in Colonial America as the Royal Governor’s residence and administrative building, and triumphing over tragedy through decades of American change, destruction and perseverance. The exhibit explores the process of establishing a permanent capitol in North Carolina, itsRead More →

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This Black History Month, the North Carolina Museum of History will provide family-centric online programs with a focus on the Green Book, a travel guide created for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era, and a look into social issues. An associated traveling panel display and other museum exhibits, as well as the Museum Shop, are all open to the public with special hours and protocols! Admission is free. Top Five Things to Do This Month Celebrate Black History Month, virtually, by exploring educational resources, programs, and exhibits honoring African American stories. Relax as a family during a reading of Ruth and the Green Book and discussions of theRead More →

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When PBS wants somebody with the knowledge of not only the history of New Bern, but also the stories of the people, who do they call?  Native New Bernian Nelson McDaniel, of course. The New Bern Historical Society also turns to Nelson, who will present Voices in the Cause of Freedom, released online on Feb. 24, 2021 at www.NewBernHistorical.org/virtual-programs.  This is a free presentation. “People of New Bern have contributed greatly to the creation and improvement of the United States and the cause of freedom for 300 years,” explains Nelson.  “In this talk we’ll highlight a few of these major contributors to the cause ofRead More →

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To the Editor: Stanley White Center should be rebuilt at its present location on Chapman Street, not at the proposed new location off Neuse Boulevard.  Far from being only ball fields and basketball courts, the Center is much more — a meeting place for nearby residents, an after-school place for kids to go, a counseling center for adults to learn parenting skills and get help with completing job applications. More than a place to exercise, it’s a safe place for children and their parents.  The city has purchased property in and around Gaston Boulevard and across from the main fire station, which is being considered for the re-location of Read More →

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Historical Society Ghostwalk sees you through in the evening. While the New Bern Historical Society is preparing for Ghostwalk evenings on Oct. 22-24, the Earl of Craven Questers organization is offering special free daytime tours of Cedar Grove Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. Come and discover interesting facts about historic figures that are buried there such as who founded a free school for poor children and orphans of New Bern.  Who designed the first Pepsi Cola trademark?  Who wrote the NC state song, “The Old North State?”  Who was a leading carpenter who built several downtown churches inRead More →

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The New Bern Historical Society knows where all the skeletons in New Bern are buried! And they’ll share some of those hidden secrets during the 30th Annual Ghostwalk, “Tales from the Underground,” Oct. 22-24. This year’s Ghostwalk will bring you the same great 13 vignettes featuring some of New Bern’s most intriguing historical characters telling their fascinating tales. But with the challenges and restrictions of the pandemic in place, you can expect major changes in the structure of this year’s event. A safely reimagined, all-outdoor Live Ghostwalk will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Queen Street, October 22-24 from 5:30-9:30pm. Tickets will be goodRead More →

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The Sudan Shriners will vote Nov. 21, 2020, on a motion to raze its landmark Temple Devan at 403 E. Front St., which has gone unused since it was devastated by Hurricane Florence in September 2018. The existing building, known for its distinctive Middle Eastern architecture, is valued at $1.75 million, according to Craven County records. It includes an auditorium, clubhouse, and general office, all built in 1951, along with 1.28 acres. Another quarter-acre parcel, located at the corner of Broad and East Front streets, is valued at $205,000. It is used as a parking lot. A larger parcel, located between East Front Street andRead More →

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Celebrate Constitution Day with an online community gathering Join local attorneys Brenda C. George and Linda R. Monk at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, for an online conversation celebrating Constitution Day and exploring how that document continues to guide us. “Establishing Justice” will focus on the emphasis the founding fathers placed on the fair and impartial interpretation of the law in the United States. George, who is seeking the Superior Court 3B seat 2 on Nov. 3, retired as a principal legislative analyst for the N.C. General Assembly. For 27 years, she worked on both sides of the political aisle to research, draft, and analyzeRead More →

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