KUDOS to the New Bern Historical Society

If you were in the downtown over the week-end you would have noticed how many people were on the streets. Numerous activities including reenactments were held downtown and at the New Bern Battlefield to mark the 150^th Anniversary of the Battle of New
Bern which took place March 14, 1862.

Thunder in the East, the Civil War in Eastern North Carolina: a Sesquicentennial Symposium, hosted by the New Bern Historical Society and held in the NC History Center, was well attended and the speakers were excellent. Especially nice was the reception Friday evening at the Attmore Oliver House that provided the opportunity to meet the many presenters prior to the Saturday meeting.  Listening to 89 year old key note speaker, Ed Bearrs, a noted Civil War Historian was the highlight of the day. He spoke on the Civil War with a focus on Eastern  North Carolina. Mr. Bearrs played a key role in assisting the Historical Society acquire the Battlefield site in the 1990’s.

I never cease to be amazed at New Bern’s rich and colorful history and appreciate all those who worked so hard to bring this rich  event filled week-end to fruition.


Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director