Our Legacy
Our Story
The African American Heritage & Culture Center actively presents the historic impact & progression of African American heritage & culture in our region.
OUR HERITAGE & CULTURE
Before the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, eastern North Carolina's African American families led communities, commerce, education, business and religious communities.
This region has a rich history of never-enslaved people who were joined by others fleeing or freed from slavery. Together they educated their children, cultivated their lands and built their communities into the time of Reconstruction.
From that period through continued segregation and discrimination, two world wars, the Depression and into the later 20th Century, NC's African Americans struggled, endured and prospered.
Today, the stories of NC's African Americans speak of a shared heritage with all who have settled in eastern North Carolina.
The AAHC exists "to actively present the historic impact and progression of African American heritage & culture in our region" with exhibitions, musical presentations, dance & theatre performances, and educational & social events.
The African American Heritage & Culture Center welcomes you, your family and your organization as our partner. Together we will present these stories about our fellow North Carolinians.
Abraham Galloway
Elected in 1868 former slave Abraham Galloway was the first African American in the NC state legislature.
Harris Taxi Service
African American entrepreneurs established business to serve the community. Pictured next to her cab, Mary Fisher Harris
James Walker Hood
Religious leader James Walker Hood was an African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church bishop in North Carolina from 1872 to 1916.
Heritage Walking Trail
The African American Heritage Sign Trail launched in June 2021. 16 sign panels explain and interpret significant historic events, people and places of African American heritage within the greater Craven Terrace and Dryborough neighborhoods of New Bern North Carolina.
Join us to preserve, promote and celebrate African American arts, music, culture and heritage of Eastern North Carolina
Join Us –
Get Involved
AAHC leaders welcome you and your organization to present a topic for community discussion, exhibit your art, participate in a musical performance, or engage AAHC as a partner in future programs and community projects.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS.
Around New Bern
Early settlers joined Tuscaroran people and African-American freemen and freed slaves to build New Bern, a city rich in history and culture.
Celebrations
