Hertford and Perquimans County have attracted many people with its scenic, recreational waterways, its history, and great fishing & hunting.

Hertford is the quintessential sleepy river town steeped in history. Beautiful Victorian and Georgian homes line a winding narrow road that follows the riverbank. Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss stand tall in the brown waters. The town is on the National Register of Historic Places, and features the only "S" shaped bridge in the country. Life here has a decidedly relaxed pace. Perhaps age that has something to do with it -this is the heart of the ancient Albemarle region.

Hertford is one of the earliest permanent settlements in North Carolina, dating back to the late 1600s, and the countryside around the town pulses with history. The nearby Newbold-White House is the oldest house in the state open to the public. George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends preached around these parts in 1672.

Hertford was the home of Baseball Hall of Fame great, Jim "Catfish" Hunter and there is a monument in his honor on the Court House green. The town also boasts of one of only five monuments in the country to honor the African-American soldiers who fought for the Union. Outside the town explore the three rural National Register Historic Districts of Winfall, Old Neck and Belvidere.

In 2000, Hertford began participation in the North Carolina Main Street Program, which provides resources for downtown revitalization through historic preservation. Hertford Mainstreet Program offices are co-located in the town's Visitor Center.

Location: 118 W. Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944, 252.426.5657
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM. Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Handicap Accessibility: Visitor center and site is fully accessible
Nearest Major Town/City: Elizabeth City, NC

Visitor Information

About the Programs

Major Program Areas: Antebellum, Colonial, Quaker settlement, Eco-tourism

Costumed/period programs Self-guided exhibits