History in Bloom

An exhibit showcasing rarely seen artifacts from Tryon Palace’s attic, paired with inspired floral designs. Imaginative and beautiful, each live arrangement reflects the floral designer’s unique interpretation of the collection piece.

History in Bloom Preview Party

Admire the floral designs at their freshest and vote for a “People’s Choice Award”. Meet the floral designers, sway along to live music, and enjoy mouthwatering dishes prepared by some of New Bern’s finest restaurants.

Interested in designing an arrangement for History in Bloom?

Contact our Development Team at foundation@tryonpalace.org with your experience and a few pictures of your past work!

FAQs for Floral Designers 2023:

Where will the exhibit be located?
The exhibit will be displayed in the Duffy Gallery of the North Carolina History Center, 529 S. Front Street.
What is required of me if I am selected as a floral designer for History in Bloom?
Once selected, floral designers must sign a contract and gallery use agreement to confirm their participation. Designers will be paired with one (1) artifact or artifact grouping and provide one (1) floral arrangement interpreting that artifact to be displayed for the public January 20th- 22nd. Exhibit display labels will note the arrangement’s title, the floral designer’s name, designer’s training and credentials, materials used, and a personal note explaining the relationship of the arrangement to the artifact. Floral designers must submit information for the display label to the Development Team no later than December 15th. Floral designers are encouraged to attend the History in Bloom Preview Party and discuss their arrangement with attendees.
When can I come in to set up?
All floral arrangements will be installed on Thursday, January 19th. Floral Designers will sign up for a 2-hour time slot between 10 AM and 6 PM to drop off their arrangements in the Duffy Gallery or assemble their arrangements in Mattocks Hall, then transport them to the Duffy Gallery. Arrangements must be disassembled or otherwise removed from the North Carolina History Center on Monday, January 23rd.
How will the artifacts be paired with floral designers?
• On November 1st, floral designers will view photos of each artifact to be displayed.
• Floral designers will submit their top 3 artifacts listed in order of preference to the Development Team by November 15th.
• The impartial committee will review the preference cards and determine the assignments.
• Floral designers will be informed of the finalized assignments by email on November 18th.
When will I know my assignment?
Floral designers will be informed of their assigned piece via email on November 18th to allow time to plan the arrangement and source materials.
Will my arrangement be judged?
Attendees of the History in Bloom Preview Party will have the chance to cast a vote for their favorite arrangement and declare a “People’s Choice Award”. The arrangement with the most votes will be announced at the Preview Party, awarded a ribbon, and featured in social media posts and press releases.

View the Floral Designer and Gallery Use Agreement here.

History in Bloom 2023 Preview Party and Culinary Experience Sponsors

Thomas B. & Robertha K. Coleman Foundation

Pete and Nancy Deichmann
Robert and Genevieve Garrou Exum
Bob and Carol Mattocks
Christopher and Miriam Roseblossom
Anne and Jim Schout

In-kind Sponsors

The Carolina Refinery Event Rentals
Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant