At the Forefront of History by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society Abraham Galloway was a slave, abolitionist, spy, recruiter, and political leader who had tremendous influence in New Bern and coastal North Carolina during the Civil War. When he died unexpectedly, he was only 33 years of age. On September 1, 1870, over […]
This Month in New Bern History – September 2021 Read More »
a peek at the past Learn more about this area’s rich and diverse past by checking out the links below. this month in new bern history historical markers new bern firsts battle of new bern african american heritage trail tours
Refugees Fighting for Freedom By March of 1862, following the war, the African American population in New Bern swelled to almost 15,000, with the majority encamped across the Neuse River at James City. These black refugees worked together to create schools, aid societies, independent churches, and even formed an unofficial local militia. Click HERE to
Fighting for Freedom Read More »
Victims of the Great Fire of 1922 The Great Fire In 1922, the face of New Bern was forever changed. Over three thousand people were displaced in a fire that raged through the African American community, decimating hundreds of structures. The fire started at the Rowland Lumber Company on the banks of the Neuse River;
Education for the Future Following Emancipation, various organizations such as the Freedmen’s Bureau, White charities, and Northern missionary societies were the first to tackle the problem of widespread Black illiteracy; due to North Carolina’s education policies, however, they were impeded in their efforts. This trail stop tells the story of how Black New Bernians responded
Education for the Future Read More »
West Street On the western edge of Dryborough, West Street was home to important infrastructure for the New Bern Black community. The Good Shepherd hospital was erected at 603 West Street, which later became the Good Shepherd Home for Aged. Nearby was the first Black library at 608 West Street – the West Street Colored
Homes deemed “unsafe or unsanitary” by the New Bern Housing Authority The History of Craven Terrace Taking advantage of Roosevelt’s New Deal, the New Bern Housing Authority (NBHA) assisted the city in acquiring land for two new public housing projects. Dwellings in White areas (Trent Court) could house only White tenants; the same was true
by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society During the 1890’s in New Bern there was a large middle class of African American businesspeople who needed not only goods but services and institutions that would meet their specific needs. One such institution began with great promise, but by January of 1915 had to close its
This Month in New Bern History – January 2021 Read More »
by Claudia Houston, Historian, New Bern Historical Society Photo from Wikipedia On September 19, 1889, a young professional, educated couple were married in New Bern. Together they were to have a profound effect in establishing an African American middle class and promoting gender and racial equality in 19th century New Bern. This is their story.
This Month in New Bern History – September 2020 Read More »
It is Wednesday, so What is in the Attic with Jim? New Bern is rich in important African American landmarks. This is a recent photo of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church at 604 Johnson, Street in New Bern. It is one of the earliest, if not the earliest, African American Episcopal Churches in the State of
Landmark Black Church Read More »