Wachovia Historical Society Mission
“The object of this Society shall be the Collection, preservation, and dissemination of everything relating to the history, antiquities, and literature of the Moravian Church in the South and the secular and religious development in North Carolina and the adjoining states.”
— 1895 Constitution of the
Wachovia Historical Society
Today, we continue to be steered by this mission to discover what is unknown, preserve what is, and share this information with all.
LATEST WHS NEWS
Next Guild Event, February 5th, 1:30 pm. Maps with Jay Lester
Jay and Judy Lester invite you to their home in Old Salem, the Anna Johanna Vogler House. Judy will take you on a tour of the house, introducing you to the ownership history and the house’s makeovers over the past two centuries. Jay’s maps will be on display throughout, providing a sampling of the cartographic formation of North Carolina and maps that document the mid-18th century attempts to lay claim to vast amounts of North America over which they had no real jurisdiction. Jay’s talk will show how maps tell much more than getting from point A to point B. They can also be used to show “who owns what” from a personal level to a plot map for an individual homeowner, to international, continental, or world maps showing nation boundaries. Whether you are an avid collector or have always wanted an excellent introduction to maps, this event is perfect. Savories and socializing with fellow members follow the event.
Buy tickets from the Events page Sold out
See Events for our following three-month Guild offerings.
- Phase 1 Goal for the Adam Spach Rock House Park has been ACHIEVED!! Click here to learn more!
Reaching from the town of Bethania through Winston-Salem, N.C., Wachovia is a tract of land settled by Moravians in the mid 18th Century.
The area is steeped in history and traditions that reach back to the original settlers. Since then, a lot has changed in the area, while other sections are as they were over 275 years ago.
From early artifacts and buildings to modern-day development, the area is rich in historical resources that the Wachovia Historical Society proudly oversees.
Through this site, we wish to engage, inform, and even entertain you with everything that celebrates a history that will soon encompass 275 years!
Upper level dining room in the 1784 Salem Tavern owned by Wachovia Historical Society and interpreted by Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
(Photo courtesy Old Salem Museums & Gardens)
Spectacles worn by one of the founders of Hopewell Moravian Church, Henry Rippel (1758-1855), in 1802.
(Collection of WHS Acc # S-183; Photo courtesy Old Salem Museums & Gardens)
Lovefeast tray used in Salem, N.C. in the 19th century. (Collection of WHS Acc # T-177; Photo courtesy Old Salem Museums & Gardens)
Silk gauze gown made ca. 1822 that descended in the Vogler and Fries families.
(Collection of WHS Acc # G-138.8; Photo courtesy Old Salem Museums & Gardens)
Springerle rolling pin by made by Salem silversmith John Vogler (1783-1881) in 1824 for his wife Christina Vogler (1792-1863) to use when making springerle cookies.
(Collection of WHS Acc # M-137; Photo courtesy Old Salem Museums & Gardens)