Old Salem

Old Salem is an open-air museum in North Carolina that documents a Moravian settlement from the 18th century. Buildings of red brick and timber stand along short streets, including homes, workshops, and community rooms that survive to this day.

The settlement began in the years after 1766, when members of the Moravian Church moved south from Pennsylvania to establish a new community. By the late 18th century, the place had grown into a center for craft and trade in the region.

The old graveyard with its simple markers reflects the community's view of death, where each person rests equally without rank or distinction. The graves lie flat in the ground, marked by white stone plaques of identical size.

The visitor center offers tickets and information for a walk through the buildings and gardens. The stroll along paved paths between the houses takes several hours, so bringing comfortable shoes is worthwhile.

Archaeological work has uncovered living areas and objects used by enslaved Africans and free Black people who lived and worked in this settlement. These findings expand understanding of how different groups shaped daily life in the early community.

Location: Winston-Salem

Website: http://oldsalem.org

GPS coordinates: 36.08750,-80.24222

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24