Architectural history topic of newest walking tour

A sweeping look at more than two centuries of architectural history is the subject of a new monthly walking tour in downtown New Bern.

A literal stroll around the block, the city's Architectural Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to see 18 period residences and public buildings. Styles of the structures range from 1750 Georgian to late 19th century Victorian.

The idea for the tour came from Fran Campbell, the volunteer coordinator for Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, and a group of volunteers from New Bern Academy Museum.

That same group researched, documented and photographed the buildings on the tour and members act as docents for the 90-minute excursion.

"This has been a real labor of love by many," Campbell said.

Visitors attending to that labor will begin the tour at New Bern Academy. Completed in 1809, that structure served first as a school and then as a hospital during the Civil War before returning to New Bern's educational system in 1881.

From that point, the walk includes stops on Hancock, Metcalf, New, Pollock and George streets. Architectural periods covered include Georgian, Federal, Antebellum, Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival and Victorian.

The tour will interest not only first-time visitors to the city, but residents of New Bern unfamiliar with the Academy and its environs, said tour volunteer Gretchen Carroll.

A 12-page illustrated booklet highlighting the structures on the tour will be given to each ticket-holder.

If you are going 

What: New Bern Academy Museum: Architectural Walking Tour.

When: 1:30 p.m. July 19 and third Saturday of each month through October.

Where: Tours begin at New Bern Academy Museum, on the corner of New and Hancock streets, New Bern.

Cost: $2 adults; $1 students; no charge for Council of Friends members or holders of Tyron Palace Historic Sites & Gardens Governor's Pass.

Contact: (252) 514-4900.

You should know: Tours are weather contingent and last about 90 minutes. Tickets are available at Tryon Palace Visitor Center or New Bern Academy Museum.