Newport Historical Museum Celebrates 100 Years of the Teacherage
For 100 years, the Teacherage, a historic building in Newport has been part of the community’s story — first as a home for teachers, then as a place of learning and work, and today as the home of the Newport Historical Museum.
The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce was honored to join the Newport Historical Museum in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Teacherage, which has played an important role in Newport’s educational and community history for the past century.
To mark the milestone, the Newport Historical Museum opened its doors on Thursday, September 3, 2026, for a special anniversary ribbon cutting. Guests gathered for cake, giveaways, and museum tours while learning more about the Teacherage and the history it has helped preserve.
The celebration was made possible through sponsorship from Southern Bank & Trust, along with generous giveaways and support from Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q of Newport, Fat Fellas BBQ & Grille, Walmart Neighborhood Market in Newport, LongHorn Steakhouse, WoodmenLife Chapter #1513, and other community partners.
A Home for Teachers
Built in 1926, the Teacherage was originally constructed as a boarding house for single female teachers at Newport School. At the time, it provided much more than a place to sleep. Teachers typically shared rooms and had access to a dining room and living room, while a housekeeper and cook helped maintain the home and prepare meals.
In 1969, the Teacherage took on another role in education when it became home to approximately 25 students from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina. The students were completing their student-teaching requirements in Carteret County schools, adding another chapter to the building’s long connection to education.
From Teacherage to Museum
The Teacherage later entered a new chapter when it was sold and became an office building owned by Newport’s Howard family. It eventually became home to Larry Howard Insurance Company before taking on its current role in the community.
In 2010, the building became the home of the Newport Historical Museum. The Museum later purchased the property, making the Teacherage its permanent home and helping ensure that this important piece of Newport history would be preserved for future generations.
Today, visitors can step inside the historic building and experience more than just a museum. The Teacherage itself is part of the story, offering a tangible connection to the people, schools, and institutions that helped shape Newport over the past 100 years.
The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Newport Historical Museum on this incredible milestone and thanks everyone who came out to celebrate this special occasion.
If you haven’t visited the Newport Historical Museum yet, there’s no better time to stop by. Take a step back in time, explore the stories and artifacts that make Newport unique, and see firsthand how one historic building has continued to serve the community for a century.
