New Bern Academy Museum

Located just four blocks away from Tryon Palace in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bern, the New Bern Academy Museum presents a unique peek into the often tumultuous history of this small North Carolina town. Housed within an original 1809 brick structure, the New Bern Academy Museum was initially a school house for boys and girls, but today it’s a treasured destination along any historic walking tour through town.

The four rooms within the New Bern Academy Museum have been transformed to focus on a unique chapter of New Bern’s history, which includes permanent exhibits that are dedicated to the Civil War, New Bern Architecture, and the unique story behind the building itself, which stopped being utilized as a school in 1971. The museum is open in the afternoons from Friday through Sunday, and visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace. Special exhibits may be seasonally available, which can include unique displays that outline New Bern’s importance in historical events – from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to the recent revitalization of the downtown area. With so much to explore and plenty of opportunities to learn something new, the New Bern Academy Museum is a unique stop for history buffs and everyday visitors alike.