Twin Rivers Branch formed in April 1997. With no local AAUW branch in New Bern two ladies in 1997 drove together attending activities at AAUW NC Jacksonville Branch. Mary Peterson was one of these ladies. Recently relocating to New Bern, Mary had a long history of AAUW Branch membership in Maryland, as well as experience as AAUW Maryland State President.

Seeking to end their drive to Jacksonville for AAUW meetings Mary explored the possibility of starting a New Bern Branch. She placed a notice in the local paper. Initially members met in a small meeting room at the New Bern Public Library and in April 1997, the Twin Rivers Branch was chartered.

Initially the branch focused on Title IX issues. Other memorable education programs included a three member panel presentation “Past, Present and Future Issues for Women.” A woman from the past shared about the women’s suffrage movement. A woman from the present shared about rights women have gained. A woman from the future shared about women’s increased leisure time challenging program attendees with options how to use their future opportunities. Another memorable program included two AAUW fellows. At the time one current recipient presenter attended Duke University expressing her gratitude for scholarship assistance. Another presenter and past AAUW fellow described her responsibilities as current President of Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. Another memorable event included Twin Rivers Branch co-hosting AAUW NC State Convention in New Bern with the Jacksonville Branch.

Twin Rivers Branch founder Mary Peterson also served as AAUW North Carolina State President.