A Historian Reflects on the Civil War: Ed Bearss Returns to New Bern

Ed Bearss
Battlefield Historian – Ed Bearss

Update: Ed Bearss Civil War Lecture Cancelled Due to Weather. Mr. Bearss had to return to his home early due to the expected winter storm. Admission had been a $10 donation to New Bern Battlefield Park. However, if you would like that donation refunded, please call the New Bern Historical Society office at 252-638-8558 or email..

An American treasure, Civil War historian Ed Bearss will again appear in New Bern on Sunday, January 8, 2017.  This is the eleventh in a series of annual visits for Bearss, one of the leading historians and experts on the Civil War. He will present his own reflections after more than three-quarters of a century of study and teachings on the subject. Many times his lectures have been delivered while hiking through the historic battlefields.  This presentation will be held at 2 pm at the Coleman Auditorium in the North Carolina History Center, the cost of lecture will be a donation of $10 with all proceeds going to support the New Bern Battlefield Park.

Ed Bearss is a United States Marine Corps veteran of World War II, a military historian, an author known for his work on the American Civil War and World War II eras, and a popular tour guide of historic battlefields. He served as Chief Historian of the National Park Service from 1981 to 1994 and is now Chief Historian Emeritus.

He continues to share his vast knowledge. Civil War students clamor to hear him speak.  At 90+, Bearss leads numerous tours – traveling as many as 200 days per year around the United States, the Pacific, and Europe.  Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this amazing man.

To reserve a seat or for additional information, please call the New Bern Historical Society at 252-638-8558. Tickets will also be available at the door. This lecture is presented by the New Bern Civil War Round Table and the New Bern Historical Society.

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 visit NewBernHistorical.org or Facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.

Submitted by: Kathy Morrison, New Bern Historical Society