Newport Celebrates 148 Years

On January 30, 2014 Newport will turn 148 years old! Celebrate Newport’s History all weekend beginning on Friday night Jan. 31. The Newport Heritage Committee will hold a BBQ Chicken Dinner. The dinner will include 1/2 BBQ chicken, 2 vegetables and a roll with a drink for $10.00 donation. The event will take place at St. James Community Life Center beginning at 5:00 pm. Entertainment is provided by Morris Willis and oth-ers. Guest speaker Gerald Mann will speak at 7:00 pm. Gerald is a former resident and graduate of the Newport School. Advanced ticket may be purchased at the Historical Museum 

This dinner kicks off a weekend of celebration. On Saturday, Feb. 1 the 5th NC Troop reenactors will be on the grounds of the Newport Barracks Memorial Park ( 220 Chatham Street) for a demonstration; members of the Ellis Battery group will also be on hand. February 2 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Newport Barracks, at 2:00 pm the Park Committee will hold a dedication ceremony for the Newport Barracks Memorial Park . Several speakers will be on the Park grounds, including former Newport Councilman and author, Eric Lindblade. As development and construction of the park continues, donations are needed and volunteers are welcome. Please contact Jim Mann 252-241-3656 or Dianne Johnson 252-241 1793 for more information. 1st Thursdays at the Museum will continue on Thursday, January 2 at 10:30 am. This is the fifth in a series of video recordings taking place at the Newport Historical Museum, where invited guests are interviewed and their memories recorded for the Museums use. Monroe Garner will be this Thursdays guest speaker. Reprinted from The Town of Newport's Courtesy News.