Newport Historical Museum - Newport NC

08/22/2026

If you missed the last Parlor Talk on August 6, you missed a fun and informative morning finding and exploring "Rabbit Holes" in the Museum and Newport led by Carol Mizelle and Betsy Garner. There was a follow-up Parlor Talk on August 12 with Dee Lewis on genealogy.

08/22/2026

The next Parlor Talk will be the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Teacherage on Thursday, September 3, 2026, 11 am. There will be a ribbon-cutting, refreshments, door prizes and museum tours.

08/22/2026

Thank you to Pat Joyce for donating his $135.00 win from the August 8 Annual Meeting 50/50 drawing to the Museum!

08/14/2026

Our Annual Meeting was held on August 8 in the St. James Fellowship Hall. We had 33 present, and everyone had a great time! We also got our annual business done! Scholarships were awarded to Cooper Wilkinson, Leighton Overall, and Jillian Webb. We wish the best to these outstanding students as they begin their college experience this year. Officers and members-at-large were elected. We have two new members-at-large, Frances Corbett and Betsy Garner. Outgoing members-at-large, Trudy Nelson and Becky Clark, were given certificates of appreciation. The 2025 Annual Meeting minutes, financial report, and 2026-2027 budget were approved. Committee reports were provided. Newport Mayor Brenda Harris spoke to the group. Bill Henderson shared memories about his 5th grade class meeting in the Teacherage for that school year and how his teacher, Gloria Fish, made a lasting impression on her students. Lunch from Smithfield's was enjoyed by all!

07/31/2026

07/07/2026

A huge thank you to Liz Garner, daughter of Macon Garner, for donating his Forestry Service uniform and other artifacts to the Museum. We also thank Frances and David VanPatten for setting up this wonderful display. Plan a visit to see this new exhibit and others you may not have seen.

06/29/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who came out on June 15 to support our first Newport Smithfield's Fundraiser. The event raised $586.00!! We appreciate Smithfield's and all of the hardworking staff for serving great food and being so welcoming. We thank everyone who helped spread the word, including our Mayor Brenda Harris and the Town of Newport staff. A lot of people commented it was like a Newport reunion, and they had a great time visiting with everyone while enjoying a delicious meal for a great cause!

Keep an ear out for announcement of another Smithfield's Fundraiser in about 3 months, as well as other fundraisers that may be announced. The museum operates on donations and memberships ($25 annually), so fundraisers are important to us. Please consider becoming a museum member and volunteering as we operate with volunteers only. Again, thank you. (Sorry no photos of the event, but everyone was so busy having a great time, no one thought of taking photos!)

06/27/2026

THERE WILL BE NO PARLOR TALK ON JULY 2! HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE JULY 4TH CELEBRATING OUR 250TH BIRTHDAY. Enjoy all of the planned public events. When celebrating in your neighborhoods, please be respectful of our Veterans, furry friends and others who may suffer adversely from the loud noise or light effects from fireworks.

If you missed the June 4, 2026, Parlor Talk, Newport Fire Department brought their oldest and newest vehicles. We heard from Kevin Taveirne, Deputy Chief of Administration/Fire Marshal, about free smoke alarms available, Knox box information, the old fire truck turning 80 next year, fire department funding and expansion plans. Volunteers are needed, and there are jobs available like driving vehicles that do not require fire training. The Volunteer Association function was explained, and it has a nonprofit that accepts donations.

We accepted a 250th commemorative Betsy Ross flag from WoodmenLife Chapter 1513. The flag is number 6,420 of the 10,000 WoodmenLife purchased and distributed in the US through an application process. The framed flag and certificate are located in the Museum Parlor for viewing.

Peggy Horrell shared some information about Betsy Ross and the creation of the flag known as the Betsy Ross flag. Carol Mizelle and Rose Clapsadl read patriotic poems, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" and "Hats Off." They shared memories of learning about these poems while attending Newport Elementary School.

Everyone got an up-close look at the vehicles when we went outside and learned about all the equipment. Hot dogs and all the trimmings were served for lunch!

06/26/2026

The Museum had a booth at the America 250 Fest at the Civic Center in Morehead City on June 20. We appreciate all who stopped by to visit with us at the event. A huge thank you to Carol Mizelle, Betsy Garner, Rose Clapsadl, Walter Hughes and Peyton Johnson for setting up and manning the booth. Pictured is Peyton Johnson, granddaughter of Walter Hughes.