New Bern Preservation Foundation
Protective Covenants • Historic Preservation • Stewardship
Safeguarding New Bern’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage
Founded in 1972, the New Bern Preservation Foundation works to protect historically, architecturally, and culturally significant homes, buildings, and sites in and around New Bern, North Carolina.
A historic building is not simply an old building. A property may be important because of its architecture or craftsmanship, its connection to significant people or events, or the role it has played in the life and culture of a neighborhood or community.
We raise funds for specific restoration projects, partner with organizations such as Preservation North Carolina, and advocate for endangered historic structures.
New Bern’s character comes from many places, but the homes, buildings, and neighborhoods that tell more than 300+ years of its story are among its most irreplaceable assets.
Be Part of Our 40th Annual Antique Show & Sale
In February 2027, the New Bern Preservation Foundation will celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of our signature fundraisers. We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to help make this milestone event a success by becoming a sponsor.
Your sponsorship supports the show and helps further our work to protect New Bern’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and irreplaceable character.
The Four Aitches: Who Does What?
There is often confusion about New Bern’s “Four Aitches,” or four historic organizations. They include the New Bern Historical Society, the New Bern Preservation Foundation, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Historic Downtown Residents Association.
We often work toward complementary goals, but we are separate organizations with different responsibilities.
New Bern Preservation Foundation (NBPF)
The New Bern Preservation Foundation works to preserve and protect New Bern’s architectural and cultural heritage. We hold protective covenants on more than 75 historic properties.
We helped save and restore New Bern’s historic Union Station and raised approximately half a million dollars toward the restoration of King Solomon Lodge #1, North Carolina’s oldest African American Masonic lodge.
Think: Hands-on preservation and long-term legal protection.
Historic Downtown Residents Association (HDRA)
The Historic Downtown Residents Association is a volunteer neighborhood organization representing the interests and concerns of downtown residents. It was organized in 1997 and incorporated in 1999.
Think: Neighborhood involvement, communication, and resident advocacy.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
The Historic Preservation Commission is part of the City of New Bern’s historic preservation process. Its responsibilities include reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, addressing proposed demolition or relocation of contributing properties within local historic districts, and helping prevent demolition by neglect.
For questions about work within a local historic district, contact the City of New Bern Development Services Department at 252-639-7583.
Think: City preservation standards, project review, and enforcement.
New Bern Historical Society (NBHS)
The New Bern Historical Society celebrates and promotes New Bern’s heritage through educational programs, tours, exhibits, events, and historic research.
Think: Stories, tours, education, and bringing history to life.
