A favorite family destination for Triad residents and beyond, Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Winston-Salem shares the history of German Moravian, African American and Indigenous peoples in early North Carolina. Best of all, every event revolves around an authentic Moravian experience – with the opportunity to add in your own personal touch of inspiration
Director of Education Tara Logue develops fun, meaningful and immersive programs that show families with kids of all ages what everyday life was like in the Town of Salem in the 1800s. These monthly hands-on workshops always delight guests with creative endeavors, and the chance to watch a bit of that history come to life.
As we head towards spring, mark your family calendar for these unique opportunities to catch a glimpse of Moravian history and even add your own mark!
On Friday, April 19th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., adults and children are invited to make authentic corn husk dolls and other crafts reminiscent of the 1800s. A perfect family outing or even a date night, you can show off your creative side by personalizing your corn husk doll as elaborately as you wish! Workshop tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children ages eight and up.
On Friday, May 17th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., visitors ages 13 and up can join in decorating their own pottery Slip Plate while learning the significant symbolism behind many creative Moravian designs. The workshop’s $75 per person ticket price also covers having your plate fired and glazed afterwards.
Guests can also enjoy – and be inspired by – Old Salem’s Living Legacy Lectures on Friday, April 26th and Saturday, May 18th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Gray Auditorium of the Visitors’ Center. Keynote speakers will discuss African American history from the Town of Salem. Admission is free, but there is a suggested $10 donation for this event. This year-long initiative is dedicated to exploring the contributions of African Americans to the cultural, social and economic fabric of Winston-Salem and beyond.
Also this month, set aside Wednesday, April 10th and Thursday, April 11th for Science Alive – a popular program for school groups that focuses on using the history of Salem to teach and understand basic science concepts. Old Salem’s highly respected programs for school groups cater not only to students from Forsyth County, but also to those within a short driving radius that includes the Charlotte and Triangle communities.
Old Salem’s Freedom Day Celebration will also be held on Saturday, May 18th – commemorating the crucial emancipation announcement to the African American congregation in Salem. The day will feature a variety of special speakers and activities for the entire family.
For more information on any of the Learning in Place educational programs at Old Salem Museums and Gardens or to purchase individual or family tickets online, visit oldsalem.org. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC, 336.721.7350, and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Follow them on Instagram @oldsaleminc for updates and more details on upcoming events.
