Sign reading “BEAUFORT Historic Site” in blue text on a white background.
Depicting 18th & 19th Century Coastal Carolina,
Established in 1713, Beaufort is the 3rd Oldest Town in North Carolina

Step Into Beaufort’s Past

At the heart of Beaufort’s historic district, the Beaufort Historic Site brings three centuries of coastal Carolina life into focus. Six authentically restored buildings, a working art gallery, and the Old Burying Grounds sit on two acres tended by a community of members and volunteers who have kept this place alive without public funding since 1960.

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Tour Beaufort

The Old Beaufort Shop

What You’ll Find: 

The Historic Site offers a range of ways to connect with Beaufort’s past, whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or diving deep into local genealogy.

Guided Walking Tours

Step through six restored 18th and 19th-century structures with guides who know the stories behind every room.
Book Tour

The Old Burying Grounds

One of North Carolina’s oldest cemeteries, with grave markers dating to the early 1700s and stories that cut to the bone.
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Mattie King Davis Art Gallery

Regional and local artwork displayed in a restored historic building, honoring Beaufort’s creative legacy alongside its architectural one.
View Gallery

Research & Archives

Dig into Carteret County records, family histories, and primary documents through our research resources and dedicated volunteers.
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Membership Program

Join the private, non-profit organization that has kept the Historic Site independently funded and community-run for over six decades.
Become a Member

Group & School Programs

Curriculum-connected programs for students and organized visits for groups who want more than a surface-level history lesson.
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BHA Has Run on Community Support for Over 60 Years

The Beaufort Historical Association has maintained and expanded the Historic Site for over 60 years without relying on grants or government funding. That independence comes from members, donors, and volunteers who believe Carteret County’s past is worth protecting. Every ticket sold, every membership renewed, and every donation goes directly into the preservation and interpretation of Beaufort’s cultural and architectural heritage. If that matters to you, there’s a place for you here.
Support the Mission

Why BHA Has Lasted 60 Years:

The Beaufort Historical Association is one of the few historic preservation organizations in North Carolina that has operated entirely on private support since its founding. Here’s what that means in practice.

Blue illustration of a quill pen next to an inkwell, with horizontal lines in the background.

Founded by Local Citizens

In 1960, a group of Carteret County residents started this organization from scratch, with no outside funding and a clear sense of purpose.
Blue illustration of a quill pen next to an inkwell, with horizontal lines in the background.

Six Authentically Restored Buildings

Every structure on the two-acre site has been restored to reflect actual historical standards, not a simplified version of them.
Blue illustration of a quill pen next to an inkwell, with horizontal lines in the background.

Independent and Non-Profit

No government funding. No corporate sponsors pulling strings. The organization’s priorities have always been set by its members.
Blue illustration of a quill pen next to an inkwell, with horizontal lines in the background.

Active Research Program

The BHA doesn’t just preserve objects. It actively documents the peoples, customs, lifestyles, and artifacts of Beaufort’s past for future generations.
Blue illustration of a quill pen next to an inkwell, with horizontal lines in the background.

Volunteer-Driven

The site runs on real community investment, with volunteers who bring personal knowledge of local history to every interaction.
Blue illustration of a quill pen next to an inkwell, with horizontal lines in the background.

Located in the Historic District

Situated in the center of Beaufort’s historic district, the site is walkable, accessible, and surrounded by the town’s broader architectural story.

Heard From Visitors:

The History of Carteret County Starts Here

The Beaufort Historic Site is open and ready for visitors, researchers, and anyone curious about what life on this stretch of the North Carolina coast actually looked like.

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