Shedding light on dark truths : the evolution of African American history at Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC

Tryon Palace was home to the first royal governors of North Carolina. Today, the site is one of the most visited historic sites in the state. But what stories are visitors hearing? The historic homes and buildings at the site display local history but African Americans have only recently penetrated the interpretation.   This thesis acknowledges the difficulties of displaying topics that are sensitive and emotional for many audiences while investigating the tremendous amount of African American history surrounding Tryon Palace. The town of New Bern, NC has always maintained a diverse population and African Americans have played a significant role in the town's history. Yet many are unfamiliar with this complex and unique story. This history both parallels and intersects with Tryon Palace in different eras.   Using various primary and secondary sources, this thesis serves as a case study on how local African American history is interpreted at historic sites and museums. Much of the changes can be attributed to the African American Research Project, which was implemented in 1999. This endeavor created programs that brought African American history to the forefront of Tryon Palace's interpretation.  M.A