This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Frank Bolen embodies service across many causes in New Bern
Frank Bolen born in New Jersey built a career in insurance before retirement. He and his wife sold possessions and spent nine years traveling the country volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and operating a Salvation Army soup kitchen. Since settling in New Bern in 2007 he has volunteered with USO North Carolina at the Jacksonville Center and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, led the USO kiosk, and created a local military information guide. He also volunteers for Disabled American Veterans and Carolina East Medical Center, transporting veterans, driving a hospital courtesy cart, and offering listening support to grieving families. He credits volunteering for personal fulfillment and urges others to give their time and talents to the community.