Take an evening, lantern-lit walk through the Hallowed Ground of Battlefield Park. Costumed actors will share moving stories of courage & conviction from the past.

The New Bern Historical Society’s newest storytelling event, the Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour, returns! 

Take a guided walk through the wooded battlefield trails, where costumed reenactors will share their inspiring stories about life in New Bern's Civil War past.

Our 2024 program included:
   ◦ A family reading letters from their loved one off fighting
   ◦ Two Young Soldiers from opposing sides, reflecting on their similar upbringing
   ◦ An enslaved women telling her story of both trials and joys
   ◦ The wife of a brave African American man who chose to fight for his freedom...and more!

After your tour, visit the chaotic and compelling Civil War Field Hospital which will be set up in the tent on the parade ground. You will hear real stories of soldiers injured in the war on both sides. Local reenactors from the 7th and 5th NC Regiments will be alongside on our actors to show you what a field hospital would have been like. 

Not a battlefield tour or a program about the war, these are poignant human stories of the experiences of civilians, soldiers, formerly-enslaved persons, and others. These gripping narratives are largely based on letters, diaries, and contemporaneous accounts.

Plan about 90 minutes for the entire event, which includes time in the tent after the guided tour. For more details and FAQs, click here. Group sizes are limited. 

Reservations recommended for a specific day and arrival time, but walk-ins will be accommodated. Reservations can be made below or at the New Bern Historical Society, 511 Broad Street, New Bern; phone 252.638.8558.