Home to a rich Civil War history, bluegrass music, public art and more, Kinston's cultural scene offers a wide, diverse range of attractions.

Living History

Civil War history comes to life in Kinston and Lenoir County, where the first Battle of Kinston took place in 1862. Two years later, the crew of the Confederate ironclad CSS Neuse set fire to their vessel to cover their retreat following the 1865 Battle of Wyse Fork (also called the second Battle of Kinston). The battlefields today look much like they did then, and the burned-out remains of the CSS Neuse are on display.

In 2012, the opening of the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center will position Kinston as the most comprehensive resource for Civil War exploration and education in North Carolina. Visitors will be able to view the largest collection of Civil War naval artifacts, including the remains of the CSS Neuse. Just a short distance from the Interpretive Center visitors is a full-scale replica of the gunboat, dubbed the CSS Neuse II.

The visitor center, located on the battlefield, makes a good starting point for an area history tour. Here, visitors can pick up a brochure at the visitor center to guide them on a 12-stop Civil War driving tour, and serious Civil War buffs can purchase a set of maps that trace troop movements for the battles that took place in the region. Audio CD tours are available, and 10 North Carolina Civil War Trail markers highlight significant sites.

Under development on South Queen Street is the Cultural Heritage Museum, a project that will pay tribute to the more than 200,000 black soldiers and their 7,000 white officers who fought with the Union forces in the American Civil War, with emphasis on the U.S. colored troops from North Carolina. Visit www.uscoloredtroops.org for more information.

Looking for Live Music?

Bluegrass music is an integral part of the culture in Kinston-Lenoir County, and folks here have plenty of opportunities to experience it live. A bluegrass jam session is held the second Saturday night of each month at Lenoir Community College, and the Neuse River Music Festival brings internationally known bluegrass artists and crowds of fans to Kinston each February.

The Kinston Community Council for the Arts is working on the African-American Heritage Music Trail, an innovative project that will highlight the deep blues and jazz roots that run through this region.

The trail will include interactive video and audio kiosks at dozens of sites in eight counties. The project’s most popular feature is its calendar of live performances by the trail’s living artists. Residents and visitors alike have packed the CCA building in downtown Kinston and other local venues for jazz nights, benefits and other events.

Heart of the Arts

Kinston is home to the Mrs. J.S. Brody Permanent Public Arts Collection, which includes the largest collection of public art east of Raleigh. The assortment comprises downtown murals, sculptures, bike racks, benches and more.

One of the murals was recently completed in Lenoir Memorial Hospital, which depicts various scenes of patients being cared for. Another mural on the south wall of the private property bordering Spring Hill and South Queen Streets, depicts a scene of the Neuse River. Another piece of art for the public to enjoy is currently being constructed in Pearson Park, which will consist of stainless steel, bronze and copper. The sculptural bandstand canopy will serve as an entertainment venue and provide an insight to the area's rich African-American music heritage.

Located in a renovated building downtown, the Kinston Community Council for the Arts hosts changing art exhibitions along with classes and workshops, and it brings world-class music and other arts events to Kinston throughout the year. Visit www.kinstoncaa.com for more information.

In the Spotlight

Built in 1925 as a public school, the Grainger-Hill Performing Arts Center in Kinston is now a 1,131-seat theater housed inside one of the last remaining examples of Greek Classical Revival Architecture still standing in North Carolina. A volunteer group of concerned alumni and friends has renovated, restored and now manages the auditorium. Grainger-Hill’s OnStage Series features concerts in a nightclub-type setting. Visit www.ghpac.com for more information.

The Lenoir Community College PlayMakers and the Kinston-Lenoir Performing Arts Center also present popular live performances.