Old Salem Museums & Gardens

08/22/2023

Free BEGINNING BAND CLASSES will start on Tuesday September 5, 2023, at Home Moravian Church. Sponsored jointly with Salem Congregation, Beginning Band Class will once again be offered under the leadership of Robah Ogburn and Connie Merritt. Each Tuesday night, the class will meet at 6:30pm for all ages 6th grade and up (we have had students starting in their 80’s). If you do not know what instrument you want to learn, the leaders will help you make that decision on the first night.
Salem Congregation CHORALE BAND will meet at 7:30 each Tuesday and is open to all interested players. This group will use both green and blue Moravian Chorale books and perhaps some band arrangements. This group is targeted for all players that have at least completed Beginning Band as well as those that have played for many years.
Both the Beginning Band Class and the Salem Congregation Chorale Band will meet in the Rehearsal Room on the lower level of the Rhondthaler building. Please contact Connie ([email protected]) or Robah ([email protected]) if you have questions or need additional information.

08/18/2023

Get ready for the upcoming school year by shopping at the Salem Mercantile – now online! Stock up on Salem gear you need and make sure your friends and family are covered, too!

mercantile.salem.edu/

08/18/2023

Salem College is pleased to announce that this fall, for the second year in a row, the number of new students on campus will increase by more than 50%. The Class of 2027 - incoming students who graduated from high school this May - make up 158 of 179 new full-time Salem College students arriving this fall and comprise the largest incoming class at Salem since 2017.

Read the full story here: bit.ly/45beqTb

08/18/2023

What can this be?? Why it's our Three Cheese Bread! This delicious white bread combines cheddar, parmesan, and asiago cheeses with an herb blend, not only on top of the bread, but throughout. Wonderful to include with a meal or devour on its own. The special bread is available at Winkler Bakery every Friday and Saturday. Come see us this weekend! We're open 10AM-4PM both days.

08/17/2023

08/17/2023

Tickets out now! Virtual and in-person options available 🎟️

Join us on October 13-14 in Louisville, KY as the Filson and the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts partner to open new conversations about material culture in the colonial and early-national Ohio Valley. Whose perspectives on the past have been ignored? Which stories have gone untold? Whose work has been un-examined and underappreciated? Who can tell us a new, relevant story now?

The conference will feature panels exploring Black, Indigenous, female, and q***r perspectives on the confluence of rivers and cultures in the 18th and 19th century. Speakers will include Keynote Speaker Kariann Akemi Yokoda (University of Colorado-Denver), Neal Gene Hurst (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation), Phillipe Halbert (Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art), and Mairin Odle (University of Alabama).

To end the conference, MESDA's Curator, Lea Lane, will share her lecture, After You: A Copy of The Emigration of Daniel Boone and the Development of Kentucky's Visual Mythology.

To purchase tickets and learn more, head to https://filsonhistorical.org/events/filson-biennial-conference/filsonmesda-conference-2023/

08/16/2023

If only this photo was scratch and sniff ... if it was, you would be intoxicated right now by the aroma of rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. These wonderful ingredients help to create our absolutely delicious Rosemary Garlic White Bread. It's available every day at Winkler Bakery. We're open Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM. Come shop with us!

08/15/2023

Country Living Magazine, we couldn't agree more. Thank you for the shout-out!

Picturesque ice cream shops, antique stores, and bed and breakfasts galore.

08/15/2023

Thank you all for voting Old Salem Museums and Gardens YES! Weekly's Best Museum in Forsyth County! We're always heartened to see the love and support you all in the community share with us.

Take a full look at all of YES! Weekly's winners here: https://ow.ly/5uV350PzoVJ

08/12/2023

We’re so blessed to have had the leadership team over at Salemtowne visit us this week! After meeting with Old Salem leadership at the Single Brothers’ House, they were able to spend some time in the district with our fantastic staff.

Are friends at Salemtowne are always welcome, and so are you! Old Salem and MESDA are open today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come on by!

08/12/2023

Mallow family appreciation post! Four different flowers blooming right now in the Single Brothers Garden are similar enough to be considered in the same plant family, the Mallows. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Sunset Hibiscus (Abelmoschus manihot), and Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus). Can you see the similarities?

08/11/2023

When did John Smith’s map of Virginia become an icon of American memory? More recently than you might think.

John Smith’s maps of Virginia and New England are both widely recognized as important pieces of colonial American history. Virginia, with its representations of Powhatan’s village and the Indigenous tribes living in the Tidewater region, has become synonymous with the founding of Virginia itself.

But when did this map become so ingrained in public memory? And why didn’t Smith’s New England ever achieve this same iconic status? Cassandra Farrell, Senior Map Archivist at the Library of Virginia, explores the fascinating historiography of these maps through their use in celebrations, festivals, expositions, and illustrations in literature.

Head to the MESDA Journal to read her newly published article, “Icons of American Memory? John Smith’s Maps of Virginia and New England.”

https://www.mesdajournal.org/2023/research-note-icons-of-american-memory-john-smiths-maps-of-virginia-and-new-england/



Credit: "Virginia"
Sixth state by Captain John Smith (cartographer), William Hole (engraver)
London, England
1624
Library of Congress Geography and Map Division Washington, D.C. G3880 1624 .S541.

08/11/2023

The hiring fair continues! Pop by the Visitor Center today until 5:00 p.m., bring a resume, and learn more about a career at Old Salem Museums and Gardens!

08/11/2023

Just one of the three rooms on the Winkler Bakery second floor. This one is filled with locally crafted birdhouses, birding and gardening books, and home decor! Stop on by and check out what the other rooms have to offer. We're open every Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM. Plan a visit soon!

08/10/2023

Tickets coming soon 👀

The Filson Historical Society(Louisville, Kentucky) and the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts are partnering to open new conversations about material culture in the colonial and early-national Ohio Valley. Whose perspectives on the past have been ignored? Which stories have gone untold? Whose work has been un-examined and underappreciated? Who can tell us a new, relevant story now?

This two-day conference will feature panels exploring Black, Indigenous, female, and q***r perspectives on the confluence of rivers and cultures in the 18th and 19th century. It is intended to spark new ideas by bringing together academics, curators, collectors, and practicing artists.

Tickets available on Tuesday 8/15, with reduced rates available for MESDA members.

Learn more about the speakers and lectures at https://filsonhistorical.org/events/filson-biennial-conference/filsonmesda-conference-2023/

08/09/2023

Don't forget! Old Salem is Hiring!

We are looking for potters, metalworkers, public history professionals, and people with a passion for interpreting African American history!

Check out https://www.oldsalem.org/employment-opportunities/ for more, or come see us at the Old Salem Visitor Center this Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for our hiring fair!

08/09/2023

Oh my, which strudel to buy? Apple or Cherry?? If you can't decide, buy both! Our strudels are baked fresh and available every day at Winkler Bakery. We're open Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM. Come shop with us!

08/08/2023

The Magazine for the people of Lake Norman by the people of Lake Norman.

08/05/2023

Scenes from a misty summer morning in the gardens: ‘Texas Star’ Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), ‘Striped Maycock’ squash (Cucurbita pepo), ground cherry (Physalis sp), citron melon (Citrullus caffer), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), ‘Marseille’ figs (Ficus carica), ‘Yellow Orinoco’ to***co (Nicotiana tabacum), and borage (Borago officinalis).

08/04/2023

Have you ever wanted to learn more about music, but were afraid to ask? Have you ever wondered how music works? - Why do I like this set of notes but not that one? What is going on?
Beginning September 5, we are excited to launch a new educational initiative: Comenius Music Academy. For our first semester, we will be learning the basics of music theory. From reading notes to beginning harmonic analysis, we will start to tackle how music works. No prior experience required. Also, no grades! To help us get a sense of numbers, and to receive info and updates, please register here for this free course. https://forms.gle/HKxQP7jJTcvNAVEL7

08/04/2023

History professionals, artisans, and educators unite! Old Salem is !

If you're passionate about hands-on history, research, and engaging with people, then consider joining Old Salem in a museum interpreter position.

Visit https://www.oldsalem.org/employment-opportunities/ to apply, or bring your resume to our hiring fair on Friday, August 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Old Salem Visitor Center. Join us in living history!

08/04/2023

We love our gardens at Old Salem! And we also love to offer merchandise with a garden theme. At Winkler Bakery, you'll find birdhouses, books, home decor, and the gorgeous puzzles shown here, all celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature. Of course, we also offer lots of delicious, freshly baked treats! Stop by and see why Winkler Bakery is a fan favorite! We're open every Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM.

08/03/2023

Do you know what these unique pieces of pottery were created for?

Don't forget to take a tour through Thrown Together: Pots and People of Early Alabama during your next visit to MESDA!

08/02/2023

We're SO excited to have the pottery re-launched in the Single Brothers' House! Come on down and see the new space Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.!

08/02/2023

Come join us this Saturday for a birdhouse demonstration! Master woodworker Bobby Davis will be set up on the Winkler Bakery back porch discussing the assembly of his Bluebird House Kit and how he goes about creating a variety of birdhouses, like the Settler's Cabin pictured here. The demo will take place 11AM-2PM. You can also see all the birdhouses Bobby makes for us to sell. Grab some tasty treats downstairs, then head upstairs to learn and have fun! Winkler Bakery is open every Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM.

08/01/2023

Peeling peaches. Old Salem Museum and Gardens. Winston Salem, North Carolina.

https://danrouthphotography.com/2023/08/01/peeling-peaches/

(Photograph copyright 2023 by Dan Routh)

07/31/2023

"Winkler Bakery carries our famous sugar cake year 'round!! It’s our oldest, most traditional recipe. Wonderful any time of the day and for all occasions. Come visit us at Winkler Bakery. Step back in time, and eat a piece of history while walking our historical streets!!"

- Sister Deborah

When Sister Deborah speaks, we listen. Come on down for some delightful sugar cake this week! We are open 10-4, Wednesday to Saturday.

07/29/2023

Seeds with Stories: Broom Corn Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare)

Originating in northeastern Africa, Sorghum has been identified as early as 8,000 BC in Nabta Playa, near the border between Egypt and Sudan. Sorghums are a variety of grass that has been used in many ways such as syrup, grain, fodder, biofuel, and broom making.

Though it is unclear exactly when sorghum came to the US, the first written record of sorghum being in America is from Benjamin Franklin in 1757, who wrote about brooms being made with sorghum.

These tall sorghums growing in the Single Brothers Garden are 'Black Seeded Hungarian' broomcorn, which has long fibrous seed branches. This type of sorghum is used mainly in broom-making, though the seeds are also used as animal feed.

07/28/2023

SALEM CONGREGATION OFFERS FREE BAND INSTRUMENT CLASSES?
BEGINNING BAND CLASS will start on Tuesday September 5, 2023, at Home Moravian Church. Sponsored jointly with Salem Congregation, Beginning Band Class will once again be offered under the leadership of Robah Ogburn and Connie Merritt. Each Tuesday night, the class will meet at 6:30pm for all ages 6th grade and up (we have had students starting in their 80’s). If you do not know what instrument you want to learn, the leaders will help you make that decision on the first night.

SALEM CONGREGATION CHORALE BAND will meet at 7:30 each Tuesday and is open to all interested players. This group will use both green and blue Moravian Chorale books and perhaps some band arrangements. This group is targeted for all players that have at least completed Beginning Band as well as those that have played for many years.
Both the Beginning Band Class and the Salem Congregation Chorale Band will meet in the Rehearsal Room on the lower level of the Rhondthaler building. Please contact Connie ([email protected]) or Robah ([email protected]) if you have questions or need additional information.

07/28/2023

07/28/2023

This sweet watercolor collage was created by Virginia artist, Katie Malandrino. It depicts the Miksch House; Winkler Bakery; and both the Single Brothers' House and the Workshop. The heavy-weight, blank notecards come in a set of eight with eight envelopes. Available on our website, www.oldsalem.org, and at Winkler Bakery, open every Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM. Come shop with us!

07/28/2023

07/26/2023

Save the date! Join us on August 5 at Winkler Bakery for a birdhouse making demonstration with master woodworker, Bobby Davis. 🐦Many of you may already be familiar with the beautiful birdhouses we sell at the Bakery and at our Visitor Center. Well, now you can meet the talented man that makes them! Bobby will be set up on the back porch from 11AM-2PM showing the assembly of his Bluebird House Kit (which you can purchase at Winkler) and talking all things birds and wood. Grab some treats downstairs, then head to the second floor and pick Bobby's brain! Winkler Bakery is open every Wednesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM.

07/25/2023

First Waughtown Baptist Church (FWBC) will celebrate its 157th anniversary this upcoming weekend!

With historic ties to Salem and St. Philips Moravian Church, FWBC members recently visited Old Salem for a special Hidden Town tour.

The start was made in the Old Salem Visitor Center at the Happy Hill exhibit “Selections from Across the Creek.”

Learn more about this wonderful exhibit here: https://www.oldsalem.org/selections-from-across-the-creek/

Included in the exhibit is a portrait of Washington Fries with a grandchild, from the collection of descendant Clara Caldwell, a resident of historic Waughtown-Belview. Mrs. Caldwell attended the Hidden Town tour and shared about the portrait of her ancestor.

Learn more about the Hidden Town Project here: https://www.oldsalem.org/hidden-town-project/

According to historian Mel White, “Wash” was born in Virginia in 1836 and had early ties to the Fries Woolen Mill in Salem, first as an enslaved man and after Emancipation, as a mill worker. He was also a barber and a gardener. He married Harriet in 1859 in the Waughtown community, and they had eleven children.

For more information about First Waughtown Baptist Church, visit https://www.firstwaughtown.org.

Congratulations FWBC!

07/25/2023

We know one of those places!

Learn important facts by visiting historic towns and cities throughout North Carolina. We've sorted them from oldest to newest in order of the founding year.

07/24/2023

Experience the remarkable intersection of cultures in 'Thrown Together: The Pots and People of Early Alabama' at MESDA. Trace the influence of Indigenous, colonial, and enslaved potters in shaping Alabama's rich pottery tradition. A story told in clay.

07/24/2023

Wow.

The photographer for this shot is 5'9", and his arms were fully extended over his head to get this close to the top of the plant!

Don't forget to take a walk through our gardens as a part of your tour through living history - you never know what you might find!

07/24/2023

Beginning September 5, we are excited to launch a new educational initiative: Comenius Music Academy. For our first semester, we will be learning the basics of music theory. From reading notes to beginning harmonic analysis, we will start to tackle how music works. No prior experience required. Also, no grades! To help us get a sense of numbers, please register here for this free course. https://forms.gle/HKxQP7jJTcvNAVEL7