About Us

New Bern Preservation Foundations receives most of its support from member contributions and from project-specific grants. The Foundation was formed in 1972 to prevent the demolition and loss of historic structures in and around New Bern. Read NBPF brief history here.

With the help of the Kellenberger Historical Foundation and the N.C. Division of Archives and History, we surveyed and nominated the Riverside, Ghent, and deGraffenreid neighborhoods to the National Register of Historic Places. Their acceptance gives New Bern four historic districts.

NBPF has helped to save over 75 historic properties by purchasing and, in some cases, moving structures to prevent demolition. Each structure was resold with a preservation easement in place to ensure the historic integrity of a structure was being preserved.

Why Historic Preservation Matters

Historic buildings connect us to the people and stories that shaped New Bern. Preserving these places strengthens community identity, supports heritage tourism, and protects architectural craftsmanship that cannot be replaced.

The foundation works to protect these structures through:

• Preservation covenants
• Property acquisition and restoration
• Education and advocacy
• Partnerships with preservation groups and local leaders

Together, these efforts help protect New Bern’s historic character for future generations.