Community Calendar

As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of independence, it is an ideal time to think about the importance and meaning of the American Revolution in the nation’s history. For two and a half centuries, Americans have told and retold the story of the Revolution, visually depicted its most important scenes, visited historical sites, and engaged in reenactments of its most famous moments.

In this talk, historian Michael D. Hattem will discuss the unique role of the Revolution in American history and culture as our national “origin myth.” He will explore how, for two and a half centuries, Americans have constantly revised the meanings and ideals of the Revolution in ways that have always been shaped by their own times. Hattem will also address how and why Americans have always had a uniquely emotional connection to the memory of the Revolution.

The lecture will begin at 6PM. Following the lecture, a reception will be held at 7PM with an optional book signing by our speaker. Books will be available for purchase at the Tryon Palace Museum Store.

About Our Speaker
Michael D. Hattem is a historian of the American Revolution. He received his PhD in History at Yale University and has taught at The New School and Knox College. He is the author of The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History (Yale University Press, 2024), which was a finalist for the 2025 George Washington Prize, and Past and Prologue: Politics and Memory in the American Revolution (Yale University Press, 2020). Hattem’s work has been featured or mentioned in The New York Times, TIME magazine, The Smithsonian Magazine, the Washington Post, as well as many other mainstream media publications and outlets. He has served as a historical consultant or contributor for a number of projects and organizations, curated historical exhibitions, appeared in television documentaries, and authenticated and written catalogue essays for historical document auctions.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

Join us and learn about five North Carolina women who stood up during the Revolution.

About our speaker:
Amanda Brantley is the former site manager at the House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site and currently serves as the site manager for Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site. She plays an active role in bringing history to life through living history interpretation.

The North Carolina History Series
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 North Carolina. 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.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.

See incredible quilted designs celebrating America 250 with this patriotic exhibit of local craftsmanship! These quilts were designed and created by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and will be on display at the North Carolina History Center during the early part of 2026.

This exhibit is FREE to enjoy and open to the public during regular business hours at the North Carolina History Center.