Old Salem Museums & Gardens

08/27/2026

From vibrant flowers to tasty fruits, there are so many plants to see in the gardens! 🌼🌻🍇

08/26/2026

We may be barking up the wrong tree, but we wanted to introduce you to Jimi, our most furbulous volunteer here at Old Salem!⁠ ⁠🐶
⁠
Jimi lives in the historic district and pawsitively loves bringing his human to visit his friends around the museum.⁠ ⁠🐾⁠
⁠
Recently, Jimi was granted his official staff ID and we think it looks very fetching on him, even if the rest of us can be a little ruff around the edges.⁠ ❤️⁠
⁠

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

We updated our volunteer application, so it is now easier than ever to apply!⁠
⁠
There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the museum such as:⁠
✨️Living History Interpretation⁠
✨️Research/Collections⁠
✨️Gardens/Horticulture⁠
✨️Special Events Operations Support⁠
✨️Museum Docent ⁠
✨️Visitor Services⁠
⁠
Volunteer benefits include 20% off retail purchases and free admission with ID badge!

We greatly appreciate our volunteers and hope to see you around the district!

08/20/2026

The Battle of Kings Mountain was a pivotal moment that affected the lives of those living in Wachovia. After the battle, Loyalist prisoners were housed in Bethabara and Salem, and both towns were called upon to supply guards and prisoners alike.
⁠
March to Kings Mountain is the current traveling exhibit on display in The Visitor Center. There are only a few more days so check it out before it is gone!

08/19/2026

August 21 is Homeschool Day at Old Salem!

Rooted in the Moravian belief that "all play has purpose," this special day is designed with homeschoolers in mind, offering a personalized museum experience and space to explore at your own pace. Step outside the classroom and into history!

Join us at the water pump on Salem Square at 11:30am for a bucket brigade fire drill.

✨️No large public-school groups
✨️Full access to regular programming
✨️Special group pricing

🎟️Discounted pricing
Students: $12
Adults: $26

Simply arrive on August 21 and let the Visitor Center know you are here for Homeschool Day!

08/18/2026

The Gardens of Old Salem are more relevant today than ever! 🌿🌻

Join us Saturday August 22 for Conserving Plant Diversity at Old Salem and Around the World, a lecture by our Director of Horticulture, Eric Jackson. Explore how the Gardens of Old Salem steward regionally adapted plants, native landscapes, and living plant knowledge to strengthen ecological resilience.

This program is priced on a sliding scale. All proceed go to benefit the Gardens of Old Salem.

Click the link in our bio for more info!

08/18/2026

Look at what is coming to the Museum of Southern Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts!

“It’s going to a great North Carolina home,” exclaimed Andrew Brunk when this rare and documented North Carolina blue painted blanket chest sold to the phones for $47,500 (est. $30,000/50,000) at Brunk Auctions.

It's dated “1823,” probably from Albemarle, Stanley County. The bold lettering on the front panel reads: “Martha Maulden was / born Aug: 19, 1823.”

https://www.maineantiquedigest.com/stories/parsons-collection-sold/10625

It’s published in "North Carolina Furniture, 1700-1900," edited by Robert E. Winters Jr. and in “Paint-Decorated Furniture from Piedmont North Carolina” by June Lucas in the 2009 edition of Chipstone Foundation’s "American Furniture." The dated 1823 chest measures 30¾" x 50½" x 23¾". Parsons bought it from Sumpter Priddy in 2001 for $20,000.

Love art and antiques? Subscribe to MAD

Published monthly, Maine Antique Digest covers the marketplace for Americana and art. Each issue features antiques news, auctions, and shows across the U.S.

08/14/2026

There are so many things we find chic about Old Salem.

From hands-on workshops and exploring the gardens, to learning from interpreters and touring exhibits, there is something chic for everyone.

There are 3 available spots for the pewter spoon workshop tomorrow!

08/13/2026

Cooking up something tasty at the Vogler!

Jennifer made meatballs and green beans today. In preparation for winter, she got started on pickling okra and peppers. This helps preserve the vegetables for later.

Jennifer has been working at Old Salem for seven and a half years. She enjoys researching and talking to guests about where food originates and how foodways have changed over time.