Lunch series kicks off in March at North Carolina History Center
Tryon Palace invites visitors to learn about the characters and cultures that populated Tryon Palace and the surrounding areas of New Bern during a month-long “Lunch and Learn” series that begins Friday, March 6. This brownbag lunch series will be held from noon to 1 p.m. every Friday in March at the North Carolina History Center.
Visitors who have toured Tryon Palace may be familiar with topics like the Stanly family and 18th-century dining culture, but these lunches delve into a deeper history of the palace and the people of historic New Bern.
March 6 — Scandalous: The Stories of the Stanly Family
Get to know one of New Bern’s most prestigious families. Meet some of the three generations of the Stanly family and hear about their loves, struggles, and sometimes downright scandalous behavior, including the infamous Stanly-Speight Duel, re-enacted every Labor Day weekend at Tryon Palace.
March 13 — A Tale of Two Sarahs
The 18th century was not an easy time to be an indentured servant. Meet two women who refused to accept their lot in life and forged their own destinies through cunning, lies and deception.
March 20 — Bottoms Up!
Our ancestors had to wet their whistle too. Join us and find out what some of the favorite beverages were in the 18th century. Like today, beer and wine were staples of the beverage lineup in the 18th century but some beverages now available at the push of a button like coffee, tea and hot chocolate were considered exotic.
March 27 — The Sun and the Moon
In 1835, a New York newspaper published a story that took the nation by storm. A leading astronomer found life on the moon! The story spread quickly and it was not long before New Bernians shared in the fascination. Enjoy your lunch while learning about the bat-men and bipedal beavers that captured the nation’s interest and imagination.
Tickets for each event are $6 per person and free for Tryon Palace Foundation members. Each Lunch and Learn will begin at noon and guests will meet in Mattocks Hall inside the North Carolina History Center.