Old Salem Museums & Gardens | Winston Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a comprehensive living history museum and historic district dedicated to preserving and interpreting the culture, architecture, and daily life of the Moravian settlers in the American South during the 18th and 19th centuries. It serves as one of the nation’s premier heritage sites, offering visitors an immersive experience through its well-preserved buildings, gardens, artisan demonstrations, and curated collections that reflect the Moravian community’s unique traditions and contributions.

Historical Background and Significance

The site known as Old Salem was originally settled in 1766 by Moravian settlers, a Protestant group from Central Europe who established a planned, communal town based on religious principles and communal values. These settlers played a crucial role in the early development of the Southern United States, with Salem becoming a key cultural and economic hub in colonial North Carolina. The Moravians emphasized craftsmanship, education, and community cohesion, values that are vividly preserved and presented in the museum complex.

Old Salem Museums & Gardens was formally established in 1950 with the goal of preserving the historic fabric of the town and educating the public about Moravian heritage and early Southern life. Over time, it has grown into an expansive institution that covers not only the historic buildings but also the gardens and associated museums that explore broader aspects of early American history and culture.

The Historic District and Architecture

Old Salem’s historic district spans approximately 90 acres and contains more than 30 restored or reconstructed buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. These buildings offer a window into Moravian architecture and town planning, notable for their distinctive styles, craftsmanship, and functional design. Visitors walk through cobblestone streets, step inside original structures, and experience the daily life of early settlers.

Key buildings include:

Single Brothers’ House (1769): This large communal residence housed unmarried men in the Moravian community. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing the social structure of the town and features restored living quarters, workshops, and a collection of artifacts related to the trades practiced by the “Single Brothers.”

Salem Tavern (1784): A historically significant inn and social gathering place, the tavern hosted important figures including George Washington during his Southern Tour in 1791. The building is restored to its 18th-century appearance and features period-appropriate furnishings and interpretive exhibits.

C. Winkler Bakery (Established 1799): This historic bakery is still operational and is recognized as the oldest continuously operating bakery in the United States. It specializes in traditional Moravian baked goods, such as Moravian cookies, which visitors can sample and purchase.

St. Philips Moravian Church (1861): This church is notable as the oldest surviving African American church building in North Carolina. It represents the faith and resilience of the African American Moravian community, with exhibits focusing on the role of African Americans in Salem’s history.

Falkiner House, Dr. Samuel Pleasant House, and others: These residences and shops illustrate various aspects of family life, commerce, and community services in early Salem.

The architecture throughout Old Salem emphasizes brick and wood construction, steep roofs, and symmetrical design, reflecting both European influences and adaptations to the American climate and available materials.

Gardens and Landscape

Old Salem’s gardens cover nearly 90 acres and include nine distinct family gardens that chronicle gardening styles and practices from the 18th through the 19th centuries. These gardens are meticulously maintained with heirloom plants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that were historically cultivated by the Moravians.

The gardens serve several purposes:

Historical Interpretation: They demonstrate period-accurate gardening methods, seasonal plantings, and crop rotations, providing insight into self-sufficiency and horticultural traditions of the Moravian settlers.

Environmental Education: The gardens promote sustainable gardening practices and the use of native and heirloom plant species, linking past practices with contemporary ecological awareness.

Aesthetic and Recreational: The gardens offer tranquil settings for visitors to stroll, learn, and enjoy the beauty of cultivated landscapes in a historic context.

Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA)

A key component of Old Salem Museums & Gardens is the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), housed in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center within the historic district. MESDA is renowned for having one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of early Southern decorative arts in the United States, featuring over 12,000 objects.

The collection includes:

Furniture: Examples of fine craftsmanship in woodworking, including chairs, tables, cabinets, and chests made by Southern artisans in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Ceramics: A variety of pottery, porcelain, and earthenware that reflect the material culture and trade networks of the South.

Textiles: Quilts, clothing, and woven fabrics that illustrate daily life, social customs, and artisanal skills.

Paintings and Silver: Portraits, folk art, and silverwork that highlight both artistic traditions and the social status of their owners.

MESDA also offers rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and scholarly research that deepen the understanding of Southern art and history.

Living History and Artisan Demonstrations

One of Old Salem’s most distinctive features is its emphasis on living history. Costumed interpreters portray Moravian residents, artisans, and tradespeople, engaging visitors with firsthand demonstrations and storytelling. These interpreters use period tools and methods to bring to life trades such as:

Blacksmithing

Pottery making

Shoemaking

Baking

Carpentry

Candle making

Tailoring

This interactive approach allows visitors to witness the skill and labor that went into daily life and craftsmanship, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Cultural and Community Events

Old Salem hosts numerous annual events and educational programs that celebrate Moravian and Southern traditions. Some notable events include:

Candle Tea: Held during the Christmas season, this event features traditional Moravian Christmas customs, music, food, and candlelit tours.

Freedom Day: Commemorating the announcement of emancipation to enslaved African Americans on May 21, 1865, this event honors African American heritage and history within Salem.

Special Exhibitions and Workshops: Covering topics such as historic cooking, folk art, and traditional crafts.

These events foster community engagement, cultural preservation, and public education.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Visitors to Old Salem Museums & Gardens can expect a rich, multifaceted experience combining education, recreation, and cultural enrichment. The site includes a visitor center offering guided tours, audio guides, educational resources, gift shops, and cafés serving traditional foods.

Hours: Typically open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with certain seasonal variations.

Tickets: Options include all-access passes covering all buildings and museums, as well as two-stop tickets for selective visits. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups.

Accessibility: The site provides accommodations to ensure accessibility for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and interpretive services.

Summary

Old Salem Museums & Gardens stands as a vital cultural institution preserving the heritage of the Moravian settlers and their impact on early Southern society. Through its well-preserved architecture, extensive collections, gardens, and living history programs, it offers an authentic and educational portrayal of 18th and 19th-century life. The museum fosters appreciation for craftsmanship, community values, and historical continuity, making it a treasured destination for history enthusiasts, families, scholars, and visitors seeking to explore the roots of the American South.