On April 8, 1959, Tryon Palace reopened its doors to the public as a state museum, sharing North Carolina’s colonial past with the nation. This year, Tryon Palace invites you to celebrate 60 years of education, preservation, and inspiration in North Carolina’s first state capitol. Join us April 6 and 7 to celebrate Tryon Palace’s 60th Anniversary with tours and exhibits.
Visitors to the Governor’s Palace will catch a glimpse at 1959 New Bern as costumed interpreters bring to life the excitement of Tryon Palace’s grand opening celebration. Interpreters will share stories of how antiques were acquired, where items were found, and how ladies of New Bern were trained to become “hostesses” in the reconstructed Palace. Tours will be included with a One-Day Pass.
Explore the remodeled and rededicated Kellenberger Garden, one of the favorite gardens at Tryon Palace. Visitors to Tryon Palace will be able to wander through the garden dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. John Kellenberger, two of the original benefactors of the Palace restoration. Access to this garden will be included with a One-Day Pass or Gardens Pass.
Be among the first to explore the newly dedicated Guion Gallery, hosting a new exhibit that explores the earliest collections at Tryon Palace. “Treasures from the Attic” will be a permanent exhibit in the North Carolina History Center, highlighting beautiful decorative arts from museum storage, not seen by visitors in many years. This gallery will be free to visitors.
The North Carolina History Center will display a special display on the 1959 Grand Opening Celebration. This display will examine pieces related to the grand opening ceremony of Tryon Palace, showing how Tryon Palace and New Bern celebrated a three-decade endeavor to rebuild the historic landmark. This display will be free to visitors.
Throughout 2019, Tryon Palace will be celebrating this landmark event with lectures, programs, and performances. For more on Tryon Palace events, visit TryonPalace.org.
Submitted by: Regina A. Ochoa, Director of Public Affairs, Tryon Palace