Celebrate New Bern’s heritage and resilience with the New Bern Historical Society’s Heritage Homes Tour April 12-13.
Traditional historic homes, restorations in progress, newly completed renovations, and beautiful gardens will all be on display, many for the very first time. For two days visitors will be invited to tour 18 remarkable properties in five historic neighborhoods — Downtown, Dryborough, Riverside, Ghent, and DeGraffenried Park.
When you take a break at the Garden Party at the Heritage Homes Tour, you’ll be entertained by some of the area’s most popular musicians. Taking the Back Porch Stage at the Attmore-Oliver House from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday will be Simon Spalding, The Duzan Duo, The DownEast Dulcimers and Big Jim and Kathy Kohler. The New Bern Historical Society is planning an exciting two-day event and the addition of live music means an extra layer of fun, and all part of your ticket. After a stop for refreshments and music at the Garden Party, you’ll be ready to continue your Tour.
Master Gardeners will present special Heritage Horticulture information, and guide visitors through three gardens, including the Historical Society’s Heritage Garden. Food trucks along the route will offer lunches to help guest maximize their tour schedules.
Tickets, good for both days, are available at New Bern Historical Society office at 511 Broad Street (252-638-8558) and on line atwww.NewBernHistorical.org/tickets. They are also available at outlets at Mitchell Hardware on Craven Street, the Bank of the Arts on Middle Street, Harris Teeter on MLK Blvd and in Carolina Colours. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour, and $15 for active duty military, students, and those in groups of 10 or larger.
The New Bern Historical Society celebrates and promotes New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org orwww.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
Posted in Community, Events, History, New Bern Historical Society
The popular Harry Goodman Battlefield Adventure Day for families is Saturday, March 23, at the New Bern Battlefield Park.
A day full of learning activities, period games and living history, it is held annually at the Park, which has been extensively upgraded by the New Bern Historical Society. This year the event is open to guests of all ages, with special activities for children 6-12 years old. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with activities from noon to 4 p.m.
Guests will be greeted by re-enactors from the 5th and 7th North Carolina Regiments. The event kicks off with a commissary lunch for all guests, provided by Moore’s Bar-B-Que.
There will be Civil War era games, crafts, and hands-on displays for the entire family. Children will participate in practice drills and Civil War period activities and crafts. Historical Society battlefield guides will provide an informative and entertaining walking tour of the battlefield.
The day’s activities will conclude with an exciting artillery live fire demonstration by McCullough Living History.
Cost is $10 for the first family member, plus $5 for each additional adult or child, with a $20 maximum for a family. Special price for active duty military and families qualifying for free/reduced school lunch program. For more information or to register: New Bern Historical Society, 252-638-8558 and www.newbernhistorical.org
At the end of the day they will take part in the American Battlefield Trust’s Park Day, an opportunity for the public to lend a hand at battlefields and parks across the country. Participants will help rake out the redans. Park Day will begin after the Adventure Day activities are complete at 4 p.m.
T-shirts will be given to the first 45 participants.
New Bern Battlefield Park is located off U.S. 70 at the entrance to the Taberna subdivision at 300 Battlefield Trail. This program is supported through the generosity of the family of Harry K. Goodman, who was key to the preservation and restoration of the Battlefield Park.
Posted in Activities, Community, Education, Entertainment, Environment, History, New Bern, New Bern Historical Society
The New Bern Historical Society’s 29th annual ABC (Attic-Basement-Closet) Indoor Yard Sale is Saturday, March 9, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Knights of Columbus Building, 1125 Pinetree Drive, New Bern.
Everything from dishes to dolls to door knobs will be sold at this one-day-only fundraising sale. Executive Director Mickey Miller is expecting this to be one of the largest ABC Sales ever, as donations have overflowed storage spaces.
Value-spotting shoppers eagerly await this huge annual event. Items available include antiques, collectibles, pictures, furniture, kitchenware, hardware, toys, jewelry, linens, silver, seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, electronics, brass, dishes, and much more. This sale is especially known for its excellent antiques, silver, art, and fine collectibles. Be there early for best selection. Admission is free.
This year there is an abundance of very nice furniture, much of it in excellent condition. Furniture shoppers are reminded to come prepared to transport their purchases as it will all have to be removed by noon.
Collection for the sale is ongoing. To donate items to the ABC Yard Sale or for information call 252-638-8558 or e-mail. Bring your donated items to the Historical Society office, 511 Broad St., New Bern until March 4. Following that, bring them to the Knights of Columbus building as preparations will be underway there.
Proceeds from the ABC Sale benefit the educational programs of the New Bern Historical Society. The Historical Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. With a 501(c)(3) status, donations qualify as tax deductions to the extent allowed by law.
Posted in Community, History, New Bern Historical Society
New Bern was selected as one of the nation’s top retirement destinations and one of its best small retirement towns by WhereToRetire.com in its sixth edition of “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire,” a guidebook of the country’s most appealing retirement towns.
WhereToRetire.com spent 11 months researching more than 800 cities. The chosen cities vary in size, climate, amenities and lifestyle, and each falls into one of 10 categories that focuses on the city’s defining feature, such as beaches, mountains, low costs, four seasons and appealing downtowns. Each city profile combines extensive research, local knowledge and in-depth interviews with retirees who made the move.
New Bern is a certified retirement community. The Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.
New Bern was recognized in April 2015 as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina,” and one of the “Top 10 Coastal Towns Where You Can Afford to Retire.”
Founded in 1710, New Bern it is the second oldest city in the state. It was the last colonial capital of North Carolina and its first state capital. “The City is a grand mix of carefully restored and maintained historical homes with old growth trees, a historic downtown, and contemporary houses ranging from condos to mansions, many with riverfront locations,” according to the website, Visit New Bern.
“New Bern’s character is palpable, and the people you meet are as vibrant as their surroundings. In addition to its beauty, New Bern is well-situated at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and only 35 miles from the Crystal Coast. The Atlantic Ocean is accessible by boat from New Bern, and New Bern’s rivers and creeks make a perfect playground for sailing, yachting, kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and fishing. New Bern has direct access to rivers and beaches without the high costs associated with beachfront living.”
Eight North Carolina cities were selected as top retirement destinations in “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire.” Other North Carolina towns are Boone/Blowing Rock, Charlotte, Durham, Hendersonville, Sylva, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.
North Carolina had the second highest number of towns on the list, behind only Florida. In addition, Winston-Salem was among the Best Four-Season Towns; Charlotte and Durham were among the Best Low-Cost Towns; and Boone/Blowing Rock, Hendersonville and Sylva were among the Best Mountain Towns.
For more information on visiting or relocating to New Bern go to www.VisitNewBern.com or www.visitnewbern.com/retire-new-bern/ Questions may be directed to marketingdirector@visitnewbern.com
Posted in Business, Community, Craven County, Downtown New Bern, Economy, Economy and Employment, Education, Entertainment, History, Housing, New Bern, Retirement
Mary Hamilton Chiles made this gingerbread Tryon Palace.
This amazing gingerbread Tryon Palace, sitting in the window of Bella’s Cafe on Middle Street, could be yours.
The New Bern Historical Society is holding a silent auction on site with bidding running through Dec. 15 inside Bella’s Café.
Mary Hamilton Chiles
This work of art is created by Mary Hamilton Chiles as a tribute to her mother, and Historical Society Board Member and tireless volunteer, Nancy Chiles. Nancy was key in the Historical Society’s success last year with the first Gingerbread Contest. Mary Hamilton has donated her work to be auctioned with the proceeds supporting New Bern Historical Society projects.
Nancy Chiles
The silent auction is set up inside Bella’s Cafe & Catering at 323 Middle Street. The auction will close on Dec. 15 and the winner will be notified.
The Tryon Palace gingerbread is part of the 2nd annual Gingerbread House Contest and Display presented by the New Bern Historical Society. Gingerbread creations are displayed at 12 merchants throughout downtown New Bern:
All of the gingerbread houses will be in place until Dec. 18.
“We send our unending thanks to Mary Hamilton Chiles for this beautiful work remembering a beautiful lady!” said Historical Society Executive Director Mickey Miller. “We also thank Sandy Quinionez of Bella’s Cafe & Catering for sharing their brand-new window space.”
The New Bern Historical Society celebrates and promotes New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad St. in New Bern.
For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
Posted in Downtown New Bern, History, New Bern Historical Society
Scott Mason gives Historical Society’s Lore Lecture on Nov. 11.
WRAL’s Scott Mason has been travelling throughout North Carolina since 1997 meeting interesting characters, learning fascinating stories and discovering delicious food.
On Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at the New Bern Historical Society’s annual Lore Lecture, he’ll share some of what he’s learned presenting Tarheel Traveler, Stories from the Road. This is a free presentation. No tickets or reservations are necessary. Doors will open at 1pm. There will be a reception following the lecture.
Mason is a broadcast journalist with 35 years of television experience. He has won dozens of awards for documentaries, writing, and feature reporting, including three National Edward R. Murrow awards and 20 regional Emmys. The Electronic News Association of the Carolinas has twice named Scott North Carolina Television Reporter of the Year.
Mason has worked as a reporter and bureau chief for network affiliates in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Winston-Salem; and Dayton, Ohio.
In 1991, Mason joined the PBS affiliate in Richmond, Va., where he created, wrote, produced, and hosted a weekly news magazine. Virginia Currents won more than 100 awards for journalistic excellence during Scott’s tenure. The United States Information Agency distributed the program to embassies worldwide.
His success caught the attention of WRAL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Raleigh. In April 1997, he became the station’s Documentary Producer. He researched, wrote, and produced ten documentaries before adding his talents to the nightly news team as a reporter specializing in features.
Today, Mason is known as the Tar Heel Traveler. His Monday-Thursday series on WRAL takes viewers along the back roads of North Carolina where he meets memorable characters, finds out-of-the-way places and unearths fascinating historical footnotes. The series has become so popular it has led to Tar Heel Traveler half-hour specials, which he produces each quarter.
Mason has also published two books about his television adventures: Tar Heel Traveler: Journeys Across North Carolina (2010) and Tar Heel Traveler Eats: Food Journeys Across North Carolina (2014), both published by Rowman & Littlefield Press.
Mason‘s third book is FAITH and AIR: The Miracle List (2017, Light Messages Publishing), a creative nonfiction account of people he has profiled during his career who say they have experienced miracles.
The Dr. Richard K. Lore Lecture is presented annually by the New Bern Historical Society as a free event for all those interested in area history. It is in memory of, and is named for the Society’s long-time historian.
This lecture is presented by the New Bern Historical Society in partnership with Tryon Palace and is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore–Oliver House at 511 Broad St. in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
While Hurricane Florence has meant minor changes in the Ghostwalk line-up, the New Bern Historical Society is finding that when a ghost site has had to step out, others step in. This includes the William B. Blades house on the corner of Johnson and Middle streets.
Historical Society Executive Director Mickey Miller said, “What a generous offer from the owners of the Blades House. How wonderful it is that they want to help make Ghostwalk successful. This is yet another great example of New Bernians working together to make our town so successful.”
Ghostwalk is an annual event presented by the New Bern Historical Society, this year held Oct. 25-27. Each Ghostwalk brings a whole new batch of historical characters from New Bern’s colorful and varied past to tell you their stories. This year’s theme: Graves’ Anatomy, brings tales ofMedicine, Mystery and Mayhem. That would leave the ghostly field open to everyone from well-respected surgeons to snake oil salesmen.
The current line-up of Ghostwalk sites and an online map are available at www.GhostwalkNewBern.com.
Ghostwalk is a family-friendly event with entertaining stories from our history, tempting dinners available at historic churches, and this year something new. At the historic Judge Gaston Law office, each Ghostwalk ticket-holder can have their picture taken at the professional Tap Snap photo booth. They will go home with a free photo souvenir as well as a digital image, all as part of their Ghostwalk ticket.
Tickets are available at www.GhostwalkNewBern.com or by calling 252-638-8558, and at the following outlets: The New Bern Historical Society, Mitchell’s Hardware, Bank of the Arts, Harris Teeter on Glenburnie and in Carolina Colours, ITT Office aboard Cherry Point Marine Air Station, and ASAP Photo in Greenville.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad St. in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
Posted in Entertainment, History, Hurricane, New Bern
Rear Adm. Jay DeLoach presents at Historical Society Lunch & Learn
Admiral David Farragut, yes of the “Damn the Torpedoes” fame, is connected to Eastern North Carolina.
Rear Admiral Jay DeLoach will explain that, and more as he presents Admiral Farragut: the North Carolina and Spanish Connections at the New Bern Historical Society’s Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, October 10 at 11:30 at The Chelsea Restaurant.
Rear Admiral Jay DeLoach
DeLoach reveals, “David Glasglow Farragut was born 15 miles outside the frontier town of Knoxville, Tennessee. At the tender age of nine, he would join the Navy to start his 60-year career in this demanding sea service. At the start of the Civil War, he remained loyal to the Union and would later become the US Navy’s first admiral after the capture of New Orleans in 1862. This presentation will not, however, explore Admiral Farragut’s spectacular Naval career but will dive into his family background with a mother with local eastern NC roots and a father who hailed from a foreign shore across the Atlantic Ocean and came to this country to fight the British during the Revolutionary War.”
Rear Admiral Jay DeLoach graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978 and served on submarines as well as several assignments with Naval Intelligence, 7th Fleet, and Joint Staff. He earned three Masters’ degrees, in Management, Nuclear Engineering, and National Security & Strategic Studies. He also served as an adjunct professor for the Naval War College and taught Joint Maritime Operations. After retirement from the military, he became a member of the Senior Executive Service in the Department of the Navy and led the transformation of the Naval History & Heritage Command as its 12th Director from 2008-12. He is currently the Vice President of the New Bern Chapter of the NC Sons of the American Revolution. He is also an active participant on the Historian Committee and the Journal Committee for the New Bern Historical Society.
Historical Society Executive Director Mickey Miller said, “We are excited to have Jay present this fascinating story for us and expect that he’ll have quite a following. We’re encouraging folks to get their reservations early!”
Lunch & Learn starts at 11:30 a.m. at The Chelsea Restaurant, 335 Middle Street, New Bern. The cost is $17 for Historical Society members and $22 for non-members; lunch is included. Advance reservations must be made by calling the New Bern Historical Society at 252-638-8558, or can be ordered at www.NewBernHistorical.org/tickets. Lunch choices are Brown Butter Barbeque Chicken or Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet Demi-Glace. both served with Potatoes Au Gratin and Mixed Vegetable Medley.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad St. in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
Learn How to Build Gingerbread House Class Oct. 19Getting back to normal is the priority for New Bern following Hurricane Florence. The New Bern Historical Society’s Gingerbread House Contest is moving forward with just that in mind. Florence means there will be some adjustments; it means plan B, which in this case means Bring People Downtown. The imaginative gingerbread creations drew many to downtown windows last year and the Society is hoping for even more this year as merchants work hard to re-open.
Executive Director Mickey Miller said, “We invite everyone to enter the contest. Your creative baking and building will produce the wonderful pieces that will draw folks to the contest downtown. If you are among those who were blessed with less damage, please consider using your kitchen for this project.”
You may enter as individuals or teams in three categories: Youth, Adult and Professional. There will be prizes at each level and two additional prizes. One is the People’s Choice, voted on by the public. The other is the Nancy Chiles Heritage Award for the creation that best represents the theme “Historic New Bern Christmas.” This in memory of long-time Board member and avid Gingerbread supporter, Nancy Chiles. The first 50 who enter will receive a hand-crafted pottery ornament made by the Potters of New Bern Art & Wellness Center.
If you are interested in building a gingerbread house, but are unsure of your skills, you are in luck. The Society will be presenting a “Building a Gingerbread House” class on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Craven Community College. It will leave you with all the skills and information you need to build your own creation. Registration fee is $10 which will go to support the Gingerbread prizes.
All the information and details for the class and the contest are available at www.NewBernHistorical.org/gingerbread or by calling 252-638-8558. The deadline to enter the contest is November 5. Further information is available on Facebook in the Gingerbread New Bern group.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad St. in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
For 28 years, Ghostwalk has endured whatever mother nature sends along. This year she sent Florence. For many New Bernians this means much flooding and damage. As the city works back toward normalcy, the New Bern Historical Society joins all of New Bern moving forward.
Ghostwalk will go on Oct. 25-27.
There will be some modifications. Some of their original plans may change, different ghosts may make the trip back, but they will give you a historical good time for three evenings. And celebrate New Bern in the process.
Tickets, good for all three nights, are available online and at the New Bern Historical Society office at 511 Broad St. in New Bern.
Ticket outlets, as listed on the website, should be ready late in the week of Sept. 24.
They are still expecting a whole crew of spirited characters from New Bern’s past reflecting this year’s theme: Graves’ Anatomy. So, stand by for medicine, mystery and mayhem.
Many of the city’s historic churches will provide ghostly fare, so leave dinner planning to them.
They will have the Tap Snap photo booth for a souvenir photo for all ticketholders, watch for wonderful theatre previews as well. Keep an eye out for spirits at Cedar Grove Cemetery and prepare for a realistic Civil War hospital presentation.
“We salute those hard-working people who, in the face of Florence, are demonstrating #NewBernStrong,” the Historical Society said in a news release. “The New Bern Historical Society invites you to come celebrate New Bern and our wonderful history at Ghostwalk. Despite the efforts of Florence and Mother Nature, New Bern endures! Title Sponsors, Chesnutt, Clemmons and Peacock; and CarolinaEast Health System. Media title sponsorship provided by WITN. Additional media sponsorship by Public Radio East.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
Posted in Entertainment, History, New Bern
New Bern Now
