Lectures, Reading, and Discussion

Marine One: Flying the President

Veterans Lecture Event
Speaker: Col. Steve Taylor, USMC (ret.)
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Orringer Auditorium - 2 p.m.

This is a free lecture event presented in partnership with The English-Speaking Union, Colonial NC Branch in celebration of Veterans Day. No registration is required.

Steve Taylor is a retired United States Marine Corps Colonel, serving from 1975 until 2003. He was a helicopter pilot and spent two tours in Marine Helicopter Squadron One – also known as HMX-1 – which is the Marine squadron tasked with flying the president, vice president, and other dignitaries. From 1983 to 1988, he served as a pilot during the Reagan administration. He returned to HMX-1 in 2000 and was the commanding officer and presidential helicopter pilot for George W. Bush from 2001 until 2003. Steve will speak about his experiences flying the president, as well as his experience surrounding the events of 9/11/2001.

North Carolina History Series

Cullman Performance Hall, North Carolina History Center
Sundays at 2 p.m.
3-Event Series Pass: $25 / Individual Lecture Tickets: $10 / Students: $5

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 state. This year, 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.

2026 Schedule of Events

Sunday, February 15 - Brave Women: Their Revolutionary Stories 

Learn about five North Carolina women who stood up during the Revolution. 

Speaker: Amanda Brantley - Ms. 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

Individual Event Ticket: $10 / Students: $5

Sunday, February 22, 2026 - How North Carolina Counties Got Their Names

From Alamance to Iredell and Transylvania to Yancy, all 100 counties were named for someone.

Speaker: Andrew Duppstadt - Mr. Duppstadt is the assistant curator of education for the North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites. He also serves as an adjunct history instructor at Coastal Carolina Community College and Craven Community College.

Individual Event Ticket: $10 / Students: $5

Sunday, March 1, 2026 - The Emergence of Military Uniforms as a Symbol of National Identity 

How did the simple terms "redcoat" and "bluecoat" become universal descriptions of a nation’s army in the age of black powder?

Speaker: Ken Osen - For over 30 years, Mr. Osen has been a researcher, designer, and sculptor for museums and the collectibles industry, primarily focusing on military uniforms of the 18th to the 20th century. This journey has taken him to personal and private military collections throughout the US and Europe to inspect real uniforms and equipment. His research provides historical context to the miniatures he creates.

Individual Event Ticket: $10 / Students: $5