The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. In practice, the Society carries out this mission by hosting educational programs, tours, and community events that share and interpret the history of New Bern and the surrounding area. It also preserves and stewards historic sites and properties, collects and shares archival materials, and engages the public in learning about the city’s past.
The New Bern Historical Society began on April 19, 1923 when a small group of local citizens came together out of a desire to preserve and share the rich history of New Bern, North Carolina. Their goal was to preserve historical material and stories of New Bern for future generations and to promote broader awareness and appreciation of the area’s heritage. From those beginnings with just a few dozen charter members, the Society has grown over the past century into a vibrant nonprofit with over a thousand members. It hosts educational events, tours, and programs, and stewards historic sites, including the Attmore-Oliver House and the New Bern Battlefield Park, to keep the history of New Bern alive and engaging for the community.
The organization is currently led by Executive Director, Anthony Giardino. Anthony arrived in New Bern in 2016 while on active duty stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. After a rewarding career as a Mustang Marine serving in various global operations and logistics roles, he retired from the Corps in 2020. He and his wife, Jackie, proudly chose New Bern as the perfect place to raise their three children. With a passion for community involvement and local history, Anthony was instantly attracted to the operations position of the Historical Society in 2022 and later promoted to Executive Director in May 2024. This role presents him an opportunity to continue to serve the New Bern community, make local history accessible and enjoyable for all, and to put his camera to use when sharing then and now images through the Society social media.
To guide in the vision and long-range direction, there are 23 active Board of Directors that make a tremendous contribution to the success of the mission of the Society. These members represent local historians, community leaders, business owners, and volunteers with expertise in history, education, fundraising, and nonprofit operations.
The major events that support fundraising are the annual Ghostwalk, Heritage Homes Tour, and Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour.
Now in its 35th year (every October), Ghostwalk is a family-friendly fall event that combines spirits from New Bern›s past, talented local volunteer actors, historic sites, and a fun-filled, creative environment. Each year features a new theme and new scripts. Guides will lead you through the stops at Cedar Grove cemetery, at which you will hear lively stories based on real historical characters and events. The remainder of the event is self-guided, with historical spirits sharing their spirited tales on outdoor porches and in select buildings in downtown New Bern. Local churches offer tours and budget-friendly meals for Ghostwalk visitors. Ghostwalk is not a haunted house, spooky, supernatural, or a homes tour – this is spirited storytelling from New Bern’s past!
The Heritage Homes Tour (May) is a self-guided tour that gives you the chance to see the interiors of very special homes in the Historic Districts not normally open to the public. Homes range from glorious to tiny, from 18th century to restorations in progress. These are livable family homes with rich stories and diverse architecture that illustrates New Bern’s amazing history. Add creative floral arrangements, live music, gardens in bloom, artists, and historical churches to the mix for an unforgettable tour!
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. This guided walk through the wooded battlefield trails presents costumed reenactors sharing their inspiring stories about life in New Bern’s Civil War past. Not a battlefield tour or a program exclusively 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.
Ways to get involved:
1. Become a Member (www.newbernhistorical.org/membership)
Joining as a member is one of the easiest ways to support and get involved. Members often receive:
• Invitations to special events
• Society newsletters
• Voting rights at the annual meeting
• Opportunities to participate in programs and committees
Membership levels often range from individual to family and business sponsorships.
2. Volunteer (www.newbernhistorical.org/volunteer)
The New Bern Historical Society relies on volunteers to:
• Staff events and tours
• Acting in storytelling events
• Help with educational programs
• Assist with archival work or collections
• Support fundraising events
Opportunities to volunteer on an ongoing basis or for specific events.
3. Participate in Events (www.newbernhistorical.org/upcoming-events)
Attend or help organize major events. These are great ways to connect with other history enthusiasts and support the Society’s mission.
4. Serve on Committees or the Board
If you’re particularly engaged and have relevant expertise or interest, you may be invited to serve on a committee or — ultimately — the Board of Directors. This is typically by invitation or through a nomination process by members.
5. Donate (www.newbernhistorical.org/annual-fund)
Even if you can’t volunteer time, financial contributions support:
• Historic preservation
• Educational programming
• Exhibits and collections care