There is a lot of confusion in New Bern about the four aitches. There’s the Historical Society, New Bern Preservation Foundation (not even an aitch – H), the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Historic Downtown Residents Association. We all work together, but we are different groups with different missions.
The New Bern Preservation Foundation (NBPF) works to preserve and protect the architectural heritage of New Bern, North Carolina. We hold protective covenants on over 70 historic structures. We saved the Depot. (It’s up to the City and the NC Railroad to find a use for it.) We saved the Tisdale house. We raised half a million dollars to restore the oldest Black Masonic Lodge in North Carolina, the King Solomon Lodge #1.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society (NBHS) is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education.
The New Bern Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has many responsibilities including consideration of certificates of appropriateness, negotiating with property owners who propose to demolish or relocate contributing properties within the historic district, and prevention of demolition by neglect. Historic guidelines are part of the city’s zoning ordinances. Any exterior alterations to structures within the Historic Districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
The Historic Downtown Residents Association (HDRA) is a volunteer neighborhood residents association, organized in 1997 and incorporated in 1999. HDRA’s goal is to promote a close-knit community and to preserve the unique historic character of the downtown area.