About the New Bern Preservation Foundation

Founded in 1972, the New Bern Preservation Foundation has worked for more than five decades to safeguard the places that help tell New Bern’s story.

Our Mission

The mission of the New Bern Preservation Foundation is to protect and preserve historically, architecturally, and culturally significant homes, buildings, and sites in and around New Bern through education, advocacy, partnerships, and direct preservation efforts.

NBPF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported primarily by member contributions and grants awarded for specific preservation projects. Since its founding, the Foundation has helped save more than 75 historic properties through acquisition, relocation, restoration, advocacy, and long-term protection.

Read a brief history of the New Bern Preservation Foundation.

Helping Establish New Bern’s Historic Districts

Working with the Kellenberger Historical Foundation and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History, NBPF helped survey and nominate the Riverside, Ghent, and deGraffenreid Park neighborhoods to the National Register of Historic Places. Their acceptance expanded New Bern’s number of National Register historic districts to four.

Protecting Historic Properties

NBPF has purchased endangered properties and, when necessary, moved buildings that otherwise might have been demolished. Properties acquired and resold by the Foundation were protected with preservation easements or covenants designed to safeguard their historic character through future changes in ownership.

See some of the historic properties NBPF has helped protect or preserve.

Learn about preservation easements and covenants.

Why Historic Preservation Matters

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

The Foundation carries out its mission through:

• Preservation covenants and easements
• Property acquisition, relocation, and restoration
• Education and advocacy
• Partnerships with property owners, preservation organizations, and community leaders

These efforts help ensure that New Bern’s historic buildings and neighborhoods remain part of the community’s future.

New Bern Preservation Foundation, Inc.
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
EIN: 23-7376105