Tryon Palace

Take a step back in time where North Carolina history began as you plan your day of adventures at Tryon Palace in New Bern. This is an experience that everyone will enjoy with seven major buildings, multiple galleries and 16 acres of garden to explore. Most of the tours are guided throughout the property but allow time to be encompassed by the stunning gardens the property boasts.

History of Tryon Palace

Royal Governor William Tryon built this stunning Georgian-style structure that served as the first permanent capitol of North Carolina. This historical gem was the site of the first sessions of the general assembly for the state of North Carolina.

The Palace went through an extreme 30-year restoration after it was destroyed in a fire in 1798. The restoration can attest to the strong community and effort to preserve the history of North Carolina. Governor Tryon made a detailed inventory of his possessions which assisted in furnishing the home to reflect the time period.

Governor’s Palace

Journey back in time as a costumed interpreter guides you through the Governor’s Palace on a tour of its grand interior rooms, describing their purpose and how Tryon and his family may have lived while there. You’ll also tour through the Kitchen Office, a time capsule of 1770 conveniences, that was built by Palace architect John Hawks’. On most days, guests can also observe the living history of a soldier’s life during a tour of the 18^th century military encampment. Here, you’ll see living quarters for soldiers and officers, defense weaponry, handmaking tools and demonstrations of those tools.

Tours of Governor’s Palace & Kitchen Office

Palace tours:

• Monday thru Friday: 11:30am – 3:30pm
• Saturday: 10:30am – 3:30pm
• Sunday: 12pm – 3:30pm
• Last tour is at 3:30pm

Kitchen Office is self-touring:

• Sunday thru Friday: 12pm – 4pm
• Saturday: 10:30am – 4pm

Historic Homes

Surrounding Tryon Palace are several historic homes and buildings that also hold the stories of life in historic New Bern.

Currently, the historic homes are closed for tours, but their beautiful gardens are open to explore.

The Dixon House is a stunning piece of architecture built in the early 18th century that was home to a local tailor, merchant and politician.

The Stanly House reflects the life of its prominent owner, whose merchant ships raided British vessels to aid the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

The Hay House was built in the 19th century and is modest of the other homes, this building is only for special events.

New Bern Academy Museum

The New Bern Academy Museum, located in the heart of New Bern’s historic residential district, was originally a schoolhouse that also served as a hospital during the Civil War. The museum is now home to exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the Battle of New Bern and much more.

Museum Hours and Admission

• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm – 4:30pm
• Museum is located at 508 New Street (three blocks North of the Palace’s main gate)
• Admission to the Museum is free

North Carolina History Center

Also located on the historic Tryon Palace grounds is the North Carolina History Center. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the rotating exhibitions, shopping and interactive historical activities that make each visit a new experience.

Travel back in time at the Pepsi Family Center and see what life was like in North Carolina’s Central Coastal Region over a hundred years ago. Explore the history of the region even further in the Regional History Museum through artifacts, graphics, audios, videos and interactives. Special touring exhibits featuring local history, Tryon Palace artifacts, local art and more can be seen at the Duffy Exhibit Gallery. And Cullman Performance Hall hosts a variety of musicians, lectures, plays and more throughout the year.

Fuel up during your explorations at Lawson’s Landing: A Riverwalk Café. And make sure to stop at the Museum Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and memorabilia to take home with you. With so much to see and do, the North Carolina History Center is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

NC History Center Hours

• Monday thru Saturday: 10am – 5pm
• Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
• Closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (12/23, 12/24 & 12/25) and New Year’s Day