Home

We Bring History to Life!

We love New Bern and its amazing history. Since 1923, we have been celebrating and promoting New Bern's rich heritage through events and education. The Historical Society offices are located in the lovingly restored Attmore-Oliver House, c. 1790-1834, in New Bern’s historic district. We also own and steward 30+ acres of the Battle of New Bern’s Civil War battlefield, where you can walk in the footsteps of those who fought there and read their stories.

The Society is a nonprofit, member-supported organization, with no state or local government funding. Our work to honor and share New Bern's past depends on membership dues and contributions from people like you. To our members, we say thank you. And, to all others who cherish New Bern's history, we invite you to discover us today!

Become a Historical Society Member

Upcoming Events & Programs

We thank our 2018 Ghostwalk sponsors and business partners!

Title Co-Sponsor

Title Co-Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Jim Hodges, Curator
New Bern Historical Society

Media Sponsor

Sun Journal logo

Media Title Sponsor

Media Sponsor

pre logo

Gold Sponsors

Andrew Mylander, D.M.D., P.L.L.C.   New Bern Civic Theatre    RiverTowne Players   Robert Chiles Engineering 

Trader Construction Company         Zaytoun Law Firm & Charles K. McCotter, Attorney at Law

Silver Sponsors

BB&T     Creekside Cabinets     Galley Stores     Ghosts of New Bern Walking Tours     Gregory Poole Marine     Harmony House Inn     Kelvin Kestner     Melvin Kestner      Mitchell Hardware      Poor Charlie's Flea Market & Antiques      Soo's Chocolate & Bakery      The Chelsea Restaurant

This Month in New Bern History

  • This Month in New Bern, November 2018 One of New Bern’s finest artisans died during this month in 1834.  Who was he and how did he leave his mark on our young town?
    During the 1700’s-1800’s, New Bern was a prosperous town filled with skilled craftsmen of all types.  Of New Bern’s many silversmiths, one of the most prominent was Freeman Woods.  A native of New Jersey, prior … Read more

Follow Us

Facebookpinterest

Other Sites and Resources

When visiting New Bern, or doing research, you might want to visit these other historical sites and resources. For more information please click here.

Find Us On Facebook

We began by remembering the soldiers of World War I on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month when the Armistice was signed. Today we remember all our soldiers from the founding of our country to today's Middle East conflicts and beyond. They come to our aid in any time of need. Thank you to all who have served and to your families as well! We have our liberties because of your service and sacrifice! ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago  ·  

Photo

View on Facebook
·Share

It's Wednesday, so What's in the Attic with Jim? Did you ever feel that you should give yourself a good swift kick in the rear? Well, in 1937 Tom Haywood and handyman Wilbur Herring built a machine to do that for you! It sat in front of Haywood's store, 10 miles east of New Bern until 1993 when it was donated to the North Carolina Museum of History. Then a replica was built that was there until 2017.

Haywood, a Craven County Commissioner, said he built it to "perform the needed rebuke to my conscience". Later he formed the Self-Kicking Club of America “to preserve our sense of humor” and “to remind us that, ‘If we kick ourselves more, we will kick others less.’” It was used by local politicians, governors and stars, like Lucille Ball; and many passing tourists.

This is a photo from the New Bern Historical Society collection. Here is, also an interesting account from NCpedia. https://www.ncpedia.org/industry/kicking-machine
And don't miss this fun footage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re_v31txpCk
#NewBernHistorical, #NewBernStrong ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago  ·  

Photo

View on Facebook
·Share

View on Facebook