News Release: 2/5/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Anthony Giardino, Executive Director
Director@NewBernHistorical.org
252-638-8558
Feb. 2, 2026
 
Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour
Exciting Storytelling Event Returns for its 5^th Year!
 
NEW BERN, NC, The New Bern Historical Society invites you to an exciting storytelling event, the Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour, March 19, 20 & 21, 6-9pm. New Bern Battlefield Park, site of the first Battle of New Bern, hosts this intriguing event. The tour takes you on a guided, lantern-lit walk through the wooded battlefield trails, where spirits of real characters from New Bern's past will share their very human and inspiring stories of courage and conviction.   
As you visit, you will hear, a firsthand account about the daring raid to capture a Union gunboat, about those who fled and those who stayed in New Bern after the battle, from nursing nuns from New York who came to help the wounded, and about maritime involvement in the battle. That’s just to name a few.
Historical Society Executive Director, Anthony Giardino is excited about this compelling storytelling event. “Take part in this important immersive event standing at the exact spot of the March 14^th, 1862 Battle of New Bern. You’ll encounter our meticulously preserved Battlefield Park and hear gripping tales and history of the era delivered by our most talented local actors and reenactors.”      
Pre-paid reservations are required with specific day & arrival time. Tickets are $16 for Historical Society adult members, students, and active-duty military; $19 adult non-members. Space is limited. Reservations are available beginning February 4^th at www.NewBernHistorical.org/tickets . Not suitable for children under 7 or those with difficulty walking.
Not a battlefield tour or a program about the war, these are poignant human stories of the experiences of civilians, soldiers, formerly-enslaved persons, and others. These gripping narratives are largely based on letters, diaries, and contemporaneous accounts.
Plan about 90 minutes for the entire event, which includes time for a special presentation following the guided tour.

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are in the historic Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety..