Craven Terrace Historic Signs Underway

JT Barbour Home
J.T. Barber Home is one of the proposed locations for the interpretive signs. Photo by James Becton

Signs of History Committee Invites Input

Because the rehabilitation project underway at Craven Terrace will result in an adverse effect on historic property, interpretive signs will be erected that will identify and explain significant historic events that pertain to the African American Heritage within the area. The New Bern African American Signs of History Committee tasked with managing the project wants to hear from you.  A meeting will be held Monday May 22, 2017 at the Craven Terrace Community Room on Roundtree Street at 6pm to inform and solicit input from the public.  Committee Chairman Bernard George is excited about the opportunity to recognize the history and heritage of the community.  “We have a unique opportunity to celebrate the wonderful African American history of this historic city.”

The Committee, which includes representatives of the Housing Authority of the City of New Bern, the New Bern Planning Department, the Dryborough Neighborhood Association, the New Bern Historical Society and residents of the community, has been working with the State Preservation Office and historic consultant David Currey.  They have developed a preliminary list of sites for the signs but they are seeking public input on additional potential historic sites.  It is thought that the interpretive signs will be designed to complement an existing walking tour of African American heritage in New Bern.

Proposed Locations for Interpretive Signs – The Signs of History Committee is seeking public input on additional potential historic sites.
1.  Craven Terrace
2.  Craven Terrace Office
3.  Pollock’s Grocery
4. Colonel Beecher Grand Army of the Republic Lodge
5.  Dr. Mann’s House
6.  Stanley White/Henderson Park
7. I.P. Hatch Funeral Home
8.  Rue Chapel AME Church
9. Dr. Fisher’s Office
10.  Education/Schools theme at the J.T. Barber Home
11. Commerce Theme at Five Points
12.  Historic Dryborough/Neighborhood Development Theme
13.  Medical Theme at Good Shepard Hospital

For further information, contact Committee Chairman Bernard George at 633-5001.

Submitted by: Kathy Morrison