Historic Downtown Residents Association (HDRA) – (Some might suggest that HDRA is the most important historical organization in New Bern .) HDRA is a membership group comprised of property owners and residents of the historic district to protect, preserve and improve the unique character of the historic downtown area. HDRA provides information to members through membership meetings, email and social media; helps create connections between members through social events (both annual events such as the spring garden party, summer ice cream social, and the fall picnic, and “pop-up” socials at local establishments); creates opportunities for members to become involved in the community (through events and activities such as Clean Sweep); distributes information to members regarding community events; and provides members with a connection to the City – through both elected officials and City staff. Website: https://newbern-hdra.com
New Bern Historical Society – The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. The New Bern Historical Society was established in 1923, and they refer to themselves as the storytellers of the history of New Bern – celebrating New Bern and its heritage. The New Bern Historical Society has annual events including Ghostwalk, Heritage Homes Tour, Civil War Adventure Day at the New Bern Battlefield, the “Lunch and Learn” programs, and educational lectures held throughout the year. They maintain the New Bern Civil War Battlefield within Taberna and their administrative office at the Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad Street. All the Society’s funding is private (and memberships are available). Website: https://newbernhistorical.org
New Bern Preservation Foundation (NBPF) – The New Bern Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1972, to preserve and protect historic structures in New Bern. They have been instrumental in the rehabilitation of many homes in the Historic District as well as creating protective covenants, which help ensure historic properties and homes are preserved long-term, even through changes in ownership. The NBPF recently assisted in the rehabilitation of King Solomon’s Lodge. The NBPF sponsors an annual Antique Show and Sale. The NBPF office is in the Haslen House Dependency, behind the Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad Street. Their funding is private (and memberships are available). Website: https://newbernpf.org
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Created in 1980, New Bern’s HPC is a nine-member board appointed by the New Bern Board of Aldermen to preserve the structures and the historic fabric of the Downtown and Riverside Historic Districts. The responsibilities of the HPC include creating and enforcing historic property standards, reviewing applications of property owners wishing to make alterations to structures within the historic districts (certificates of appropriateness), assisting historic property owners, reviewing applications to demolish or relocate structures within the historic districts, reviewing applications of new structures within the historic districts, and prevention of demolition of properties by neglect (addressing properties not being properly maintained.) The HPC holds official hearings monthly at City Hall, as well as Design Review meetings each month to review and discuss applications in a more informal setting. Website: https://www.newbernnc.gov/departments/development_services/historic_preservation.php
Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center – The Tryon Palace and the NC History Center are operated by the State of North Carolina, and together they are North Carolina’s premier state historic site. The Tryon Palace and the History Center have a number of events, performances and experiences throughout the year, and are funded by a combination of public and private funds. (Memberships are available.) Website: https://www.TryonPalace.org