The North Carolina History lecture series continues this winter with the goal to engage the broader community and expand the understanding of, and engagement in, the fascinating history of New Bern, Craven County and state. This year, as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, we are focused on the history surrounding our nation’s founding, and topics related to our colonial and revolutionary history. We are pleased to welcome three historians who will present each week, for three consecutive weeks.
The series is presented by the Lifetime Learning Center and Tryon Palace, in partnership with the Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the New Bern Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Sunday, March 1, 2026 - The Emergence of Military Uniforms as a Symbol of National Identity
How did the simple term Redcoat or Bluecoat become a universal description of a nation’s army in the age of black powder?
Speaker: Ken Osen - For over 30 years Ken Osen has been a researcher, designer, and sculptor for museums and the collectibles industry, primarily focusing on military uniforms of the 18th to the 20th century. This journey has taken him to personal and private military collections throughout the US and Europe to inspect real uniforms and equipment. His research provides historical context to the miniatures he creates