Attraction Guide: Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Winston-Salem, United States

Old Salem Museums & Gardens Guide

Step Back in Time: Experience 18th and 19th Century Life at Old Salem Museums & Gardens Guide

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a living history museum that transports visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Moravian settlers who founded Salem, North Carolina. This meticulously preserved historic district allows you to immerse yourself in the daily routines, crafts, and culture of a unique community. Explore original buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and witness traditional trades being practiced as they were centuries ago. Founded in 1766 by the Moravian Church, Salem was a planned community built on principles of communal living, religious devotion, and skilled craftsmanship. The Moravians were known for their dedication to education, music, and their unique approach to community governance. Old Salem preserves the original town plan and many of its historic buildings, including homes, workshops, a church, and a school. The museum strives to accurately portray the lives of all residents of Salem, including enslaved African Americans and the indigenous people who interacted with the Moravian community. Visitors can tour the historic buildings, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the trades and crafts that were essential to Salem's economy. Watch blacksmiths forge iron, potters create ceramics, and bakers prepare traditional Moravian treats. The gardens are also a highlight, showcasing heirloom plants and providing insights into the agricultural practices of the time. A visit to Winkler Bakery is a must, where you can sample Moravian sugar cake, a local specialty. The Tavern in Old Salem offers a historically inspired menu, providing a taste of 18th-century cuisine.