By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Picture this: A little girl with a big smile, zooming around in her brand-new wheelchair, exploring a world of wonders where rivers flow with local fish, dinosaurs roar from ancient fossils, and every corner is designed for adventure—no matter if you walk, roll, or wiggle your way through. This isn’t just a daydream; it’s the heartwarming vision behind the Children’s Museum of New Bern, a magical space rising in Eastern North Carolina thanks to a group of big-hearted heroes who believe every child deserves a chance to play, learn, and shine.
It all started back in 2020 with a story that tugs at the heartstrings. Erin Henry, a pediatric therapist and now President of the We Can Be Association, was working with a sweet young girl who couldn’t walk. Erin requested a wheelchair through insurance, but it was denied— they said her parents could just carry her! “That moment lit a fire in me,” Erin shares. She rallied her community, founded the We Can Be Association, and raised the funds for that wheelchair. Today, that girl is thriving, and her story sparked something even bigger: a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids in Eastern North Carolina with medical expenses, therapies, and equipment. “We saw how one act of kindness can change everything,” Erin says. “Now, we’re dreaming even larger—to create a place where all children can explore, imagine, and grow together.”
Enter Karen Zachreus, the passionate founder who joined forces with Erin and the team. Karen had been chatting with local leaders, including Mayor Odham, about turning an empty building into a kid’s paradise. When the We Can Be Association heard about it, they knew it was a match made in heaven. “We shared the same mission: making fun accessible for everyone,” explains board member Jane Dail, a mom and performer who’s as excited as the kids she’ll entertain there. As Karen puts it, “I wanted to help create the Children’s Museum of New Bern to fulfill a lifelong dream—to create a space where all children of all abilities can come together to learn and grow through hands-on experience. New Bern is a vibrant, family-oriented community. The addition of a Children’s Museum will leave a legacy for generations to come.” Together, they pitched their idea to the City of New Bern, and in November, the aldermen unanimously approved a lease for the building at 408 Hancock Street—for just $1 a year! This former library spot had been sitting quiet, but soon it will buzz with laughter and discovery.
What makes this museum extra special? It’s not just any play place—it’s New Bern’s first children’s museum, built from the ground up as a grassroots effort by active moms, a grandmother, and community champions. “We’re a team of everyday heroes,” Jane says with a chuckle. “We want big fun that’s educational and open to all abilities.” That means everything will be wheelchair-accessible, so no child is left out. Imagine ramps leading to a splashy water and boat exhibit, where kids can “sail” through models of local rivers, spotting fish and animals from right here in our backyard while learning about conservation. Or digging into a dinosaur and fossil area, uncovering treasures that whisper stories of when New Bern was under the sea! The museum is even chatting with friends at the Aurora Fossil Museum and the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium about borrowing cool traveling exhibits—think real fossils or ocean critters on the move.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Community-themed exhibits will let kids pretend to be everyday heroes: role-play as a doctor or vet in the Medical/Vet office, build towering structures in the Construction Area, shop for pretend groceries in the Grocery Store, whip up meals in the Restaurant, tend to crops in the Farm/Garden, or step into the boots of Military/First Responders. Nature lovers can “camp out” in the Camping zone, wander through a whimsical Forest, embark on Boating adventures, or dive into Water/Conservation activities. Science buffs will blast off in the Space/Aeronautical exhibit, roar with Dinosaurs, or explore the body’s wonders in the Sensory System. Don’t forget the Art/Creative space for painting, crafting, and imagining wild ideas, plus a Classroom/Educational Displays area with rotating seasonal exhibits and themed activities to keep things fresh and exciting all year round.
But here’s where the magic really shines: The museum is thinking ahead for families who need a little extra care. One standout feature is a special changing area designed like a cozy playhouse, with adult-sized tables for older kids who might still need diapers. “We’ve heard from parents who have to change their children on the floor in public spots—it doesn’t feel right,” Jane shares. “We want every kid to feel like a VIP, with dignity and joy. It’s about making everyone feel equal and included.” No more downers during a fun day out—just smiles all around!
The museum’s mission goes beyond play—it’s tied to helping kids with special needs. Any extra funds raised will go straight back to the We Can Be Association’s core work: covering out-of-pocket medical costs, therapies, and equipment for families in need. “That’s what sets us apart,” Erin explains. “While other museums are wonderful, ours has this heart of giving. We’re building a space that educates through play and gives back to the community that supports it.”
Picture the blank-slate building at 408 Hancock Street transformed into a preview of wonders. Kids (and grown-ups!) can dive into educational stations, gaze at stars in the Star Lab from UNCW, and enjoy live performances from the New Bern Civic Theater—including songs from their upcoming show Once Upon a Song. “It’s a sneak peek of the magic to come,” Jane says enthusiastically. “Come play, learn, and help us make this dream real!”
With a goal to open by the end of 2026 (and hopefully even sooner), the team is racing against the clock—but they’re fueled by community spirit. “We have a fire under us!” Jane laughs. They’re partnering with professional exhibit creators to make everything durable and safe, because, as she puts it, “Kids are rough—and we love that! We welcome the challenge.” They’re seeking sponsors for named exhibits (check out their sponsorship packet for details) and talking to big community players to bring it all to life. From art classes to fossil hunts, the museum will spark curiosity and creativity, teaching kids about science, history, and our local world in the most fun ways possible.
New Bern families, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary! The Children’s Museum of New Bern isn’t just a building—it’s a beacon of hope, play, and togetherness for every child in Eastern North Carolina. Whether your little one dreams of being a pirate on the high seas or a paleontologist digging up dinos, this museum will make those dreams come true. And for kids with special needs, it’s a place where barriers disappear, and everyone can say, “We can be anything!”
Ready to join the adventure? Here’s how you can help:
Donate Today: Every dollar counts! Give online at https://givebutter.com/LTTE0Y (the goal will be updated soon to a more realistic number). Or mail/drop off checks to We Can Be Association at 2994 Old Airport Road, New Bern, NC 28562.
Spread the Word: Visit the We Can Be Association website at
https://wecanbeassociation.webador.com/ for more info, and keep an eye on the upcoming museum site at https://www.nbchildrensmuseum.com/. Share with friends, become a sponsor, or volunteer—let’s build this together!
As Jane puts it, “We’re creating triumphs from challenges, one exhibit at a time.” Let’s rally around this incredible cause and watch New Bern’s kids light up with joy. After all, in a world full of possibilities, every child deserves a place to explore them. Who’s with us?
For sponsorship details or to get involved, contact the We Can Be Association today. Together, we can be the change!