Craven County anchors much eastern research. New Bern town sources sit beside plantation landscapes and Free Black community records. Flood, fire, and wartime gaps mean substitutes—neighbors, churches, newspapers, federal series—are part of the plan, not a last resort.

Use Craven genealogical society materials, regional libraries, DigitalNC, and State Archives. Cross-check Carteret, Jones, Pamlico, and Beaufort neighbors when FAN clubs point across water.