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
- Fall Raffle: Meridian’s award-winning Chef Mark Grohman has created a $250 same-as-cash raffle ticket for dining at Meridian, 411 Marshall Street, right here in Old Salem. The winning ticket has no expiration date. You can drop in for tapas, come by another time for a flavorful dinner, relax with a glass of wine, or throw an elegant dinner for your friends. With $250 worth of fine cuisine, your options are limitless. Check your Bloomerang Blasts or visit Events for the chance to win unforgettable dining experiences. Buy lots of tickets! An added perk! A meal can be served at the Annual Meeting’s Tailgate Event. The Guild will serve your Meridian choices under a sparkling tent with silver service. Endless options from this award-winning restaurant
- Next Guild Event: Your Tailgate Awaits! Join your WHS friends for a tailgate dinner before the annual event on October 18th. We will park our cars and set up our tables and chairs in the parking lot closest to the Old Salem Visitors’ Center around 5:30 pm. This event is open to all. Join us while we toast the year’s accomplishments with a complimentary glass of champagne at 6:00 pm. Want us to reserve your parking spot? Contact Victoria: ortonacademy@nullgmail.com or phone or text: 828.258.3499
- Phase 1 Goal for the Adam Spach Rock House Park has been ACHIEVED!! Click here to learn more pm
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)