All Lunch & Learn events start promptly at 11:30 a.m. at the Chelsea Restaurant at 335 Middle Street in New Bern. The cost is $18 for Historical Society members and $20 for non-members, which includes a delicious Chelsea entree, bread, dessert, iced tea, and coffee. Reservations and meals must be paid in advance, either online from the Tickets page or by calling the New Bern Historical Society at 252-638-8558. Please select your menu option when ordering.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
“New Bern Then and Now: Our Town’s History in Photos”
presented by Historical Society Curator Jim Hodges
SOLD OUT – please contact the office to be placed on the wait list
Middle Street 1901
You hear it a lot here in New Bern, “That used to be….” Captain Rattys used to be Duffy’s Drug Store, Morgan’s used to be True Tread Tires, First Citizens Bank sits where the Queen Ann Hotel used to be. This Lunch & Learn will reveal past and current status of more than 20 New Bern landmarks. Curator Jim Hodges has scoured the New Bern Historical Society collection to share with you these wonderful images from our past. In some cases, the buildings have been carefully renovated and saved in their original condition. In others they have been saved and re-purposed, while sometimes they are simply, sadly, lost. In any case, you will be fascinated by this visual history tour.
Jim Hodges was reared in New Bern, matriculated to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and a post graduate dental degree. After satisfying a military commitment and enjoying several years of international travel, Jim returned to New Bern and practiced dentistry until his retirement in 2012. His current life chapter involves his passion for
Middle Street 2017
New Bern and its rich history as a member of the Historical Society and the Tryon Palace Foundation Board of Directors. As the volunteer Curator of the New Bern Historical Society he spends his days maintaining, conserving and finding ways to share the collection.
Lunch & Learn starts promptly at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $18 for Historical Society members and $20 for non-members; a delicious Chelsea lunch is included. Lunch choices are Beef Tenderloin Shoulder with horseradish barbecue or Rosemary Chicken; both served with tomato and parmesan risotto, sautéed zucchini and squash, rolls, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine and beer are available for purchase.
This event is sold out. Please call the office at 252-638-8558 to be placed on the wait list.
Sorry you missed it! A look at past Lunch & Learn programs:
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
“History Stands Around You: The History of the New Bern Academy”
Presented by Historical Architect John P. Wood
Ever progressive, New Bern is full of famous historical firsts, especially in the area of education. First school in North Carolina established by law in 1764? That’s the New Bern Academy on New Street! At this Lunch & Learn, John Wood of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office will talk about the history and architecture of the well-loved New Bern Academy, including a discussion of the evolutionary changes to the building and an overview of the proposed upcoming exterior restoration.
John Wood is a Preservation/Restoration Specialist for the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office based in the Eastern Regional Field Office in Greenville, covering the twelve counties in the southeastern region, and managing the Eastern Office’s National Register, survey, tax credit, and technical restoration programs. As an architectural historian John has had extensive experience in historic preservation and restoration projects. When not involved in restoration projects, he gives demonstrations of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century blacksmithing, woodworking, carpentry, and house joinery at various museum sites. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Masters degree from the College of William & Mary, he is a member of the Association for Preservation Technology, the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Vernacular Architecture Forum.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
“Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Deeds: A Special Women’s History Month Presentation” 
Presented by five costumed historical characters
This program will celebrate Women’s History Month with a visit from five remarkable women from New Bern’s past. Some will be familiar, others may surprise you. From the 19th and early 20th centuries, and varied walks of life, these women have stories that you’ll want to hear.
You’ll meet Kady Brownell, a Civil War soldier; activist Sarah Dudley Pettey, physician Lula Disosway, photographer Bayard Wootten, and nurse and businesswoman Charlotte Rhone. These characters will tell you how, while they considered themselves ordinary women, they left an extraordinary legacy in New Bern. Five local actors, under the direction of Jane Maulucci will portray these women. You’ll certainly have fascinating lunch companions.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
“Up From Slavery to Freedom: New Bern, North Carolina’s Historic 35th United States Colored Troops”
Presented by Bernard George
“Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder, and bullets in his pocket, and there is no power on earth or under the earth which can deny that he has earned the right of citizenship in the United States.” –Frederick Douglass, July 6, 1863
More than 180,000 African Americans fought in the Civil War for the Union Army. New Bern served as the recruiting headquarters for enlisting more than 5,000 soldiers in the United States Colored Troops (USCT). The First North Carolina Colored Volunteers (35th USCT), organized 1863 in historic New Bern, was the first regiment of black Union soldiers formed in North Carolina and one of the first in the South. Commanded by Col. James Beecher (brother of famed abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe) and staffed by Major John V. DeGrasse, an internationally trained African American medical officer, the 35th USCT is a uniquely significant story that often does not receive the scholarly attention it deserves. Guest speaker Bernard George will discuss the legacy of 35th USCT in the struggle for freedom and citizenship during the American Civil War. George will combine pictures, historical documents and personal vignettes to educate the public and honor the sacrifices of these courageous soldiers.