New Bern Historical Society’s Annual Event October 27-29
It is that time of year again, and the New Bern Historical Society is preparing its 26th annual Ghostwalk, Whispers from the past. Each Ghostwalk brings a whole new batch of characters from New Bern’s colorful and varied past to tell you their stories right in the very places they might have been seen in life. Don’t worry though, all these spirits are from history, not from science fiction. So as night falls in New Bern’s Historic District October 27-29, be on the lookout for ghosts that want to whisper their secrets!
This year there will be 19 different ghost haunts in historic houses, churches and businesses, and of course in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Meet Dr. Lula Disosway, a doctor and surgeon whose medical missionary work took her north of the Arctic Circle, to the far reaches of China, and back to New Bern. See Congressman George H. White, African American attorney and prosecutor who served in Congress from 1897-1901, the last black Congressman of the Jim Crow era. Hear Sergeant William Ennever, the Union soldier killed at Bachelor’s Creek and mysteriously buried in the Ellis Family vault at Cedar Grove Cemetery. These are just a few of the many spirits that will be about during Ghostwalk. With the exception of Cedar Grove Cemetery, all the ghosts are indoors.
As always candlelit Cedar Grove Cemetery will provide plenty of eerie entertainment! If you dare pass under the weeping gates you will meet the cemetery’s famous grave diggers who will try to convince you to stay… forever. If you get past them, be on the lookout for the many ghostly characters whose lives shaped our city as they appear and disappear before your eyes.
New Bern’s two historic theatres will open their doors again as well with special performances. And watch for a surprise appearance on the Tryon Palace front lawn.
The lighthearted mystery-comedy, Ham Radio is at the Attmore Oliver House, with Mr. Dowd and his family of the Veri-Good Bakery now the sponsor of a 1940 radio show. Of course, the Veri-Good Bakery itself will appear with lots of delicious goodies.
Hauntings begin Thursday, October 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Expect ghost sightings at the cemetery and entertainment at both theatres and the Attmore Oliver House. An additional fourteen (14) ghost sites are open Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $17 in advance and $22, the day of the event. Special pricing for active duty military, their dependents and students, all with ID at $12. Children 3-12 are $5 and under 3 free. Tickets are available on line at NewBernHistorical.org/ghostwalk and at outlets which include the Convention Center, Bank of the Arts, Mitchell Hardware, Harris Teeter in New Bern and Morehead City as well at ITT Cherry Point and ASAP Photo in Greenville. Check the website for complete outlet information, or call 252-638-8558.
The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go NewBernHistorical.org or Facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.
Submitted by: Kathy Morrison, New Bern Historical Society