Celebrate the Season at Old Salem Museums & Gardens Spring Festival and Pottery Fair on the Square

"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (MAY 1, 2015) – Old Salem Museums & Gardens will host its annual Spring Festival, this year titled “Celebrating Freedom,” on Saturday, May 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the Historic District.  The day will be full of activities for all ages and promises to be an educational and fun event for the whole family.  The Spring Festival is a ticketed event and all Spring Festival activities are included with All-in-One tickets, which are $23 for adults and $11 for children.

In conjunction with the Festival, Old Salem also is hosting their fifth annual Pottery Fair on the Square on the same day. The Pottery Fair is free and open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 30 potters from across North Carolina will display and sell their utilitarian and art pottery on Salem Square. With a variety of potters participating, it is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts for spring graduates and summer brides and grooms. In the event of rain and/or strong wind, the Fair will be relocated to the concourse of the Old Salem Visitor Center at 900 Old Salem Road.

The ticketed Spring Festival, “Celebrating Freedom,” will highlight the 150^th anniversary of the announcement of Freedom to the African-American congregation of Salem.  On May 21, 1865, Rev. Seth G. Clark, the Chaplain of the 10^th Ohio Cavalry read General Orders 32 to the congregation, which announced that they were free from slavery.

Spring Festival activities and demonstrations will include:

• Civil War Reenactors (First United States Volunteers) on hand to interpret soldier life at the end of the Civil War
• Reading of General Orders 32 at the St. Philips Heritage Center (This portion of the day’s events is free and open to the public. A ticket is not required.)
• A look at Salem’s role in the Civil War
• Hands-on activity: Make & Taste Hard Tack
• Concerts by a re-created 26th North Carolina Band (the famed Confederate band from Salem)

Purchase tickets online for the Spring Festival at oldsalem.org or at the Visitor Center (900 Old Salem Road). For more information, please call 336-721-7300 or email info@oldsalem.org.

About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org."

- A Press Release

Old Salem Museums & Gardens to Present the Film The Loving Story

"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (APRIL 6, 2015)—As the final screening in the Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle series, Old Salem Museums & Gardens is presenting excerpts from The Loving Story on Wednesday, April 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium in the Old Salem Visitor Center. The screening is being presented in conjunction with the 150^th anniversary of the ending of slavery, which was announced to the enslaved community in and around the town of Salem on Sunday, May 21, 1865, in St. Philips African Moravian Church in what is now Old Salem.

Short excerpts from The Loving Story will be shown followed by a discussion with Susie Powell, co-author of this award-winning film. She will talk about what inspired her to write about Richard and Mildred Loving, the interracial couple who lived in Virginia in the 1950s and were subsequently arrested for getting married. The Loving Story was nominated for an Emmy in 2013. 

The program is free and open to the public, although registration is required. To register, please call 1-800-441-5305. School groups are asked to register at least 7 days in advance. Reservations are preferred for individuals, although an individual may attend without a reservation if space permits. Light lunch is included or you may bring your own. Additional portions of The Loving Story may be viewed prior to the program on the Created Equal website createdequal.neh.gov.

Old Salem is one of 473 institutions across the country awarded the opportunity to show the Created Equal film series, which chronicles the history of the civil rights movement and marks the 50^th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s March on Washington. The powerful documentaries, Freedom Riders, Slavery by Another Name, The Abolitionists, and The Loving Story, include dramatic scenes of incidents in the 150-year effort to achieve equal rights for all. Each of the films was produced with NEH support, and each tells remarkable stories of individuals who challenged the social and legal status quo of deeply rooted institutions, from slavery to segregation. Visit neh.gov/created-equal for more information. 

The Created Equal film set is made possible through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

About Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions.  Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South.  Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 900 Old Salem Road in Winston-Salem.  For more information, call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Founded in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a nonprofit organization that promotes excellence in the teaching and learning of American history. Programs include publications, teacher seminars, a national Affiliate School Program, traveling exhibitions, and online materials for teachers, students, and the general public. gilderlehrman.org.

About the National Endowment for the Humanities

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities. NEH grants enrich classroom learning, create and preserve knowledge, and bring ideas to life through public television, radio, museum exhibitions, and programs in libraries and other community places. neh.gov."

- A Press Release

“Arts Alive in Old Salem” Scheduled for March 25 & April 8

Moravian music and arts to be highlighted during day of activities

"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Old Salem Museums & Gardens will again host the popular educational program “Arts Alive in Old Salem” on Wednesday, March 25 and Wednesday, April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arts Alive brings the rich history of the arts in early America to life for young people. The cost is $9 per student, $20 for adults.  Old Salem pays for one adult per 12 students. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-441-5305.  Students must be accompanied by a teacher or adult.

The Moravians, who founded Salem in 1766, were widely known for their music as well as their handcrafts: pottery, cabinetry, guns, silver, tin wares, and textiles. Music and the arts were interwoven into the daily life of Salem through work, worship, and education.  Children in grades K-5 are invited to visit Old Salem for a day of hands-on arts based activities and demonstrations throughout the historic town.

Some of the hands-on activities participants will experience include:

• Watching a puppet show at the Heirloom Puppet Theater
• Learning about the Moravian legacy of music in Salem both secular and sacred and hear the 1800 Tannenberg Organ
• Enjoying a delightful look at early childhood in Salem through a study of photographs from our collection
• Trying their hand at block printing and theorem painting
• Learning about the art of Moravian decorated pottery
• And many more hands-on activities and demonstrations throughout the historic district.

About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org."

- A Press Release

Old Salem Museums & Gardens Presents Easter in Old Salem

Celebration of Easter Traditions Includes

Hands-On Activities for the Whole Family!

"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Old Salem Museums & Gardens will celebrate Easter, one of the most important seasons in the Moravian Church, on Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a full day of fun events perfect for all ages. Easter in Old Salem will take place throughout the Historic District, although most activities will take place at the Vierling House and Barn. All Easter activities, including the Easter Egg Hunt, are included with an All-In-One ticket, which is $23 for adults and $11 for children ages 6-16.

The Easter season has been revered in the Moravian faith for hundreds of years. From the first Easter sunrise service in 1772, Salem has taken part in the tradition that continues today. Old Salem Museums & Gardens observes the holiday with an event the Saturday before Easter. Visitors can take part in traditional Easter crafts and activities such as decorating Easter eggs in a historic fashion. A modern Easter Egg Hunt will also take place.

Attendees will learn about important Moravian Easter traditions and will participate in many hands-on activities. For example, they can participate in dyeing eggs with natural materials in the Vierling House Kitchen.

Other events planned include:

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Salem Tavern Meadow (10:30 a.m.)
• Hands-on Easter Egg painting in the Vierling Barn (11 a.m.-Noon and 1-3:30 p.m.)
• Demonstration of Easter music on the Tannenberg organ in the Visitor Center (11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)

·         Hear teens from Authoring Action figuratively bring Moravians back to life through poetic verse at St. Philips Heritage Center (2 p.m.)

Activities are included with an All-In-One ticket, which is $23 for adults and $11 for children ages 6-16.  Friends of Old Salem enjoy free admission. For more information, please call 336-721-7300 or email info@oldsalem.org. Additional information can also be found at oldsalem.org/easter.

About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org."

- A Press Release

Heirloom Puppet Theater Shows for Winter/Spring 2015

"Old Salem Museums & Gardens is presenting a series of puppet shows at the Heirloom Puppet Theater at the Frank L. Horton Museum Center this winter and spring. Heirloom Puppet Theater shows feature historically-based puppet performances intended for all ages. Puppet shows are included in All-in-One tickets or cost $2.00 per person without an All-in-One Ticket.  Performances are held in the Frank L. Horton Museum at 924 S. Main Street in Winston-Salem.

Dates and Times for the Winter/Spring 2015 shows are:

A Night in the African-American Portrait Gallery

This show highlights African-American individuals who have paved the way for others with their contributions to our history.

February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27

10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m.

February 21

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Three Trees on a Hill

Once there were three trees growing happily side by side on a sunny hill in the woods.  On a balmy summer night, these trees discuss their hopes and dreams for the future and see how they were unexpectedly and amazingly realized.

March 4, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 and April 1, 3, 8, 10

10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m.

Aesop’s Fabulous Fables

Travel to ancient Greece, where you will meet Aesop and hear his timeless fables.

April 17, 22, 24, 29 and May 1, 6, 8, 20, 22, 27, 29

10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m.

For more information, visit oldsalem.org or call 336-721-7300. 

About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org."

- A Press Release

Slow Food Piedmont’s Fourth Annual Seed Swap & Potluck to be Held at Old Salem

"Slow Food Piedmont, with support from the Gardens at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, will hold their annual Seed Swap and Potluck on Saturday, January 24, 2015 in the James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium in the Old Salem Visitor Center at 900 Old Salem Road in Winston-Salem from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A potluck lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all. This is the fourth year that Slow Food Piedmont has held the Seed Swap at Old Salem.

Slow Food Piedmont’s Annual Seed Swap encourages first time growers, experienced gardeners, and all who are interested to come and swap seeds or corms, handy tips, and garden wisdom. Local experts will be on hand to answer questions. Please bring a dish to share at the potluck, something from your garden or from a favorite recipe. Please bring a permanent marker and containers for seeds. Small envelopes, prescription bottles without labels, and film canisters work well.

In addition, if you have heirloom seed that has been handed down over generations, the Old Salem Horticulture Department will be collecting “Seeds with Stories” during the Seed Swap. Visit our Seeds with Stories web page for more information. Contact Eric Jackson, Old Salem Heritage Gardens and Outreach, at ejackson@oldsalem.org or (336) 201-5174 to schedule an interview

Traditionally, seed saving was a part of every growing season. However, in recent decades, food varieties extinction in America has accelerated so that an estimated 90% of our historic vegetable and fruit varieties are now gone. There has never been a more important time to celebrate, save, and exchange seed.

For more information, email slowfoodpiedmont@gmail.com.

Slow Food is a global community, connecting people to the land and to each other through local projects, educational events, and shared meals.

About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its museums—the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is located at 600 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. For more information call 336-721-7300 or visit oldsalem.org.

About Slow Food Piedmont

Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization founded in 1989 in Italy.  Our local chapter, Slow Food Piedmont, celebrates local food and those involved in growing, selling, preparing, and enjoying it. Our aim is to support farmers and food producers who focus on sustainable practices, experience, and preserve our food traditions, rediscover traditional ingredients, recognize those who contribute to the quality, authenticity, and sustainability of the region's food supply and advocate for better food in our schools. For more information visit slowfoodpiedmont.org."

- A Press Release