presentations &
special programs
The New Bern Historical Society brings local history to life with a variety of interesting educational programs. Whether you're a newcomer or a New Bern native, there's so much to learn about our fascinating local heritage! Our special programs feature guest speakers, genealogy presentations, historical book signings, and more.
The annual Dr. Richard K. Lore Lecture features regionally and nationally-known speakers of historic note, followed by a light reception. Not just for history buffs!
The annual Civil War Program brings engaging guest speakers to share all the things they didn't teach you in history class. All proceeds directly benefit the preservation of Battlefield Park.
The Harlowe Patriots
Presented by Dr. Valerie Johnson
Sunday, September 13th, 2026 at Orringer Auditorium, Craven Community College
$10 for members and nonmembers ~ON SALE AUGUST 3RD~
Presentation begins at 2pm
HARLOWE, Craven County - It's a little known but important piece of American history: black soldiers fighting against the British in the Revolutionary War. It's estimated that 5,000 black soldiers served on the Patriot side during the Revolution, which lasted from 1775 to 1783. Fourteen free men of color from the Harlowe community of Havelock fought in key battles of the war, with General George Washington leading the fight for independence. Join the New Bern Historical Society as they host Dr. Valerie Johnson as she shares this important story from local history on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2pm at Orringer Auditorium at Craven Community College. Learn about these 14 brave men and the folks that discovered their story and the families that are still here.
Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson is a scholar/activist. She currently works as Co-Director of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN) and Director of Infrastructure and Development. From 2020-2024 Dr. Johnson was Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities at Shaw University – an HBCU located in Raleigh NC. Prior to that appointment, Dr. Johnson was Mott Distinguished Professor of Women’s Studies and Director of Africana Women’s Studies at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Johnson has experience connecting undergraduate and graduate students, especially at HBCUs, with community groups working on health equity and environmental justice issues. She works locally, nationally, and internationally to preserve cultural and historic heritage through service on several statewide and non-profit organizations, including the NC African American Heritage Commission (Chair), NC Historical Commission; Preservation NC (past immediate Board Chair); NC Maritime History Council Advisory Board, the NC Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council and steering committee for the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Core to Dr. Johnson’s ongoing activist and advocacy work is promoting public participation in science research through NCEJN, as a board member for the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences, and formerly through grants funded by NASA and the National Science Foundation.