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6 MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
2019
New Bern Firemen’s Museum
420 Broad St, New Bern
252-636-4087
firemensmuseum.com
Established in 1955, the New Bern Firemen’s Museum houses steam pumpers and an extensive collection of early fire-fighting equipment along with rare photographs, Civil War relics, and even the mounted head of a faithful old fire-horse named Fred, who died while answering an alarm. New Bern is home to the first chartered fire company in the state of North Carolina. The museum is in the process of relocating to the original 1928 location that housed the fire department for 72 years. People of all ages appreciate the City’s firefighting history and will enjoy the interactive exhibits.
New Bern Historic Trolley Tour
1311 N Craven St, New Bern
252-637-7316
www.newberntours.com
A splendid way to get to know New Bern is to embark on the Historic Trolley Tour. Guides will entertain with intriguing stories and narratives that will be sure to create a genuine appreciation of North Carolina’s first capital. Hotel, dinner, and event reservations and recommendations can be made upon request. Group, school, and special event packages and services are also available. The tour was founded in 1994 to provide visitors a convenient opportunity to see and understand more about this treasured city.
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens
529 S Front St, New Bern 800-767-1560
Tryon Palace
paths, along with a mission to educate and inspire all ages with historical first-person interpretations, demonstrations, and interactive programs.
Dixon House
Built in the Federal style complete with Greek revival features, Dixon House is a picture of early colonial life. However, this house is not just for show. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital for the 9th Vermont Infantry.
Stanly House
The Stanly House was had many owners and uses since the year of its first opening in the early 1780s for original owner John Wright Stanly. A local story exists, relating when President George Washington came through New Bern on his Southern Tour, he stayed at the Stanly House and later wrote in his journal that he enjoyed “exceedingly good lodgings”.
Hay House
The house was most likely built by a New Bern carpenter named Benjamin Good and bought
by Robert Hay, a Scottish immigrant and wagon maker. Local tax records state that the house was acquired for $1,000. Now a living history museum, the Hay House is filled today with character interpreters who portray life as it was like in the early 19th century. Exhibits are “hands on” and include a feather bed.
North Carolina History Center
529 S Front St, New Bern
800-767-1560
www.tryonpalace.org/north-carolina-history-center
The North Carolina History Center brings a fresh face to the museum experience with rotating exhibits, waterfront dining, shopping, rare artifacts, and interactive activities. Visitors are transported through time to the people and places that have shaped the region. Every possible care of energy efficiency was taken in the making of the Center, which is considered one of the “greenest” public buildings in the state. Visitors can also visit the Duffy Exhibit Gallery and the Cullman Performance Hall, which boasts musicians, lectures, plays, and more.
www.tryonpalace.org
Tryon Palace was first the home of Royal Governor William Tryon and his family. The house also served as the first permanent capitol of North Carolina, therefore housing the first session of the general assembly for the state following the American Revolution. After a fire burned the main building
in 1798, restorative measures were taken, led by a woman named Mrs. James Edwin Latham. In 1959, a grand re-opening was given. Now the palace includes more than 16 acres of gardens and winding
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES