Another New Bern First by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society On May 14, 1845, the Atlantic Fire Company No. 1 was organized in New Bern, becoming the oldest chartered fire company in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the United States. Exploits of the Atlantic Company and their later rival, the …
A Reason to Celebrate by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society “We today are so immersed in – and blasé about – technology that it is hard to understand how big a deal it was when the first railroad train rolled into a 1850s North Carolina town. I can only guess that we might …
In Celebration of Women’s History Month by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society US Army’s Heritage & Education Center; MOLLUS Mass Photograph collection This month marks the 160th anniversary of the first Battle of New Bern, fought on March 14, 1862, one of several engagements in Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition. It is also celebrated …
On the Altar of Freedom by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society A young man born in New Bern became an orphan under unusual circumstances. He went to sea, wrote poetry, read extensively, sailed the world, corresponded with and joined what was to become a famous regiment in the Civil War, documenting his journey …
It is Wednesday, so “What is in the Attic with Jim?” For those of you who do not know, Jim Hodges has been our volunteer Curator for about ten years. He spends up to 40 hours a week receiving, researching and categorizing articles, photos and other historical treasures in our collection. Jim refers to his …
Independence Day in History by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society Courtesy vintageholidaycrafts.com We always enjoy reading about how the New Bern of yesteryear loved celebrations and parties. What better time for festivities than the Fourth of July? We all have recollections of the Fourth of July – parades, baseball, barbecue, and fireworks. Was …
A Giant Career (and it all began here) by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society Art Devlin 1911, from the Bain News Service, courtesy Wikipedia It is always astonishing to learn of the many men and women from outside New Bern who found their way here and left a lasting impression. There have been …
A New Bern History Mystery by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society New Bern has had many “firsts” over the years – among them, first printing press and postal service in North Carolina and first registered nurse in America. In January 1829 New Bern celebrated the arrival of a another exciting historical premier. However, …
The Elusive Veiled Ladyby Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society On April 14, 1865 President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. A massive investigation to determine whether Booth acted alone resulted in the conviction of eight co-conspirators. Four were hung, including boarding house owner Mary Surratt. You may remember these details from …
by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society While the inhumanity of war is clear, sometimes acts of humanity during war take us by surprise. One such example is that of Confederate Captain Mayo and his captor, Union Major W. B. Lowell. This is their story. A map of the battlefield, based on one prepared …
