Rise and Fall: One Man’s Story by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society The years after the end of the Civil War became a time of education and opportunity for African Americans. It certainly proved to be that for William Lawrence Lassiter, born in Northampton County, NC on 9 November 1867 to parents who …
A Landmark Hotel, A Hidden Story by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society 1884 Photo by William Garrison Reed, photographer, and former soldier in the 44th Massachusetts Infantry who was stationed in New Bern during the Civil War and returned to the city to take photos of places he remembered. The landmark Gaston House …
A Small Community, A Rich History by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society On August 31, 1908, the lights were turned on and a society wedding was conducted in a newly constructed religious institution in New Bern. The completion of that structure, Temple B’Nai Sholem at 505 Middle Street, as well as the Jewish …
Standing Tall & Looking Good by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society “Time for New Bern” by local artist Nancy L. Rogers During our 2nd New Bern Historical Society History Quest this year, we asked the children what historic destination they liked the best. The overwhelming response was “the clock.” What is this unique …
Sunshine’s Story by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society Hannah Attmore Oliver “Sunshine” The Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad Street is special to the New Bern Historical Society. Not only is it our headquarters but it has been the home of many important New Bern families. We feel a responsibility to tell the stories …
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 …
A New Bern Legend by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society Courtesy Bill Hand/New Bern Live On January 23, 1844, the brilliant career of a most distinguished scholar, lawyer, landowner, US Representative, and NC Supreme Court judge ended with his death. Who was this most famous son of New Bern, North Carolina? William J. …