New Bern has many historic locations with a new award created to honor them

Tina Adkins, Sun Journal
·3 min read

New Bern is a town rich in history with more than 50 locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A few names included on the list are the Baxter Clock, Cedar Street Recreation Center, Slover-Bradham House, Centenary Methodist Church, DeGraffenried Park Historic District and the Riverside Historic District.

The Historic Preservation Commission of the city of New Bern has partnered with the New Bern Historical Society and the New Bern Preservation Foundation giving residents an opportunity to share even more of the city's historic locations.

The New Bern Historic Preservation Award will recognize a project of excellence in historic preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or the interpretation of the city’s, state’s, and/or nation’s recommendations or guidelines.

Historic Preservation Commission Administrator Matt Schelly said in a press release that New Bern’s historic districts are a huge part of the appeal of the city.

“They are a tourist destination unto their own and remind us every day of a bygone era," he said. "Owners and residents within these districts have lovingly restored and protected these investments for centuries. We’re excited to recognize these properties that play an essential role in our strong sense of community.”

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New Bern’s historic districts in downtown and Riverside are invited to participate. Nominations can be made in the following categories: Residential, Commercial, and Institutional. The project should demonstrate exemplary stewardship in historical, architectural, and/or cultural heritage.

To complete an application for a historic property, visit newbernnc.gov.

Only complete nomination packets will be considered. If you’re nominating yours or someone else’s property, make sure you’ve included in the packet the application and nomination forms and approximately 10-15 photographs (in digital format and at least 1MB in size), with before and after photos. As an option, entries can also include any relevant publications, news clippings, or supplemental information.

The criteria for submissions are that only the exterior of a building or property will be considered. The building interior is not subject to review.

Nominations will be evaluated on the basis of one or more of the following:

  • The preservation of historic buildings through sensitive renovations, repairs, and/or compatible building additions.

  • The positive impact on the community or other historic resources.

  • Overall quality of the renovation/repair.

  • The project’s ability to serve as an example for other historic preservation projects.

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Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Oct. 31 and nominations may be submitted by mail to the city of New Bern, Development Services Department, Attn: New Bern Historic Preservation Award, 303 First Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

To submit nominations online, or if you have additional questions, email Matt Schelly, at schellym@newbernnc.gov or contact him by calling 252-639-7583.

Nominations will be reviewed and judged by a volunteer committee comprised of representatives from all three partnership organizations. Then, the award will be given for the first time at the end of this year.

A formal date will be announced later.

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: New award highlights historical places in New Bern