A campaign to revitalize and re-imagine the potential of Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Common GroundOn

Sometimes the best move forwardis a thoughtful step back.

In time. In perspective. In principles.By knowing well and tending carefully the stories of our past,

we strengthen our claim on a brighter, more enlightened future.Hard-tested wisdom and guidance—

this is what history is generously speaking to us.The values forged by past generations absolutely

give shape and meaning to our own.

What do we believe? What do we cherish?

Where do we hope to be tomorrow and how will we arrive there?These are questions that last a lifetime,

and they challenge us today as profoundly as ever.In searching for answers, we awaken the surest sense of what we value

when we connect to where we’ve been.The past is not perfect, of course,

but it is perfectly positioned to stir our deepest thoughts, feelings, and hopes.

At Old Salem Museums & Gardens,early America is alive and well,

thriving authentically in a way that soothes the spiritwhile challenging us to consider both the values we hold and those to which we aspire.

From the gardener to the gunsmith, the surveyor to the slave,every individual in Salem shared common ground on which we now stand, too.

It is an extraordinary gift from ordinary people.Our past, our present, our future.

Today begins here.

OLD SALEM MUSEUMS & GARDENS

In this great community, with its long history of people achieving in business, science, society, and the arts, the spirit of Salem is reborn over and over. Just as the architecture of Salem was built to last, so were its fundamental values of hard work, honesty, innovative thinking, and respect for education. In every modern-day community success story—whether personified by a teacher, doctor, athlete, philanthropist or businessperson— we can see connections to the first settlers of Salem. Strong character, tireless commitment, and an optimistic belief in personal and social betterment—this is the common ground shared by the first residents of Salem and some notable hometown contemporaries.

values reborn: Our story never stops beginning

WHAT DOES A SCIENTIST in the 1800s who studied the medicinal benefits of mushrooms have in common with a physician pioneering research in human tissue regeneration 200 years later? Love of knowledge, ambitious curiosity, and a commitment to making life better for others through innovative, focused intelligence. Proud to be a link between the past and present, Old Salem honors these extraordinary men and their extraordinary aspirations.

Anthony Atala, MD world-renowned physician ~ today

winston-salem, nc

Ludwig David von Schweinitz world renowned botanist ~ 1815

salem, nc

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n 1766, after purchasing nearly 100,000 acres of land in the fertile Piedmont region of

North Carolina, Moravian settlers from Pennsylvania established the new southern

town of Salem. Industrious and dedicated to their beliefs, these pioneer-spirited Moravians

designed and built Salem to be a successful, commerce-focused community strengthened

by strong religious and moral principles. Salem quickly grew to become a bustling,

cosmopolitan town that valued education, encouraged cultural progress, and advanced its

diverse economy through innovative agrarian and industrial technologies. Functioning as a

theocratic village for almost a century, Salem ceased to be a congregation town in 1856 and

then merged with Winston to form Winston-Salem in 1913. In 1950, community leaders

spearheaded the beginning of the meticulous restoration of the original Moravian buildings,

leading to the creation of Old Salem Museums & Gardens—a visually stunning, expertly

reclaimed historic district just a few steps from downtown Winston-Salem. With the opening

in 1965 of MESDA—The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts—Old Salem expanded

its commitment to preservation and helped fulfill the vision of Frank Horton by creating the

nation’s most renowned center of scholarship and material culture collections of the early

American South.

On Common Ground

IStanding strong while sharing a dream

On Common Ground 3

Settling is how it began

Not settling is how we thrive.

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As the nonprofit organization that preserves, interprets, and advocates for this

one-of-a-kind community treasure that is Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Old Salem, Inc. ,

has been a trusted steward of limited resources in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

We are now facing one of the most critical junctures in our 60-year history. Without a full-fledged endeavor to ready Old Salem Museums & Gardens for new

generations of visitors and friends, this beloved place risks losing pace with the

accelerated rhythms of the modern world. With an open-minded and proactive response

to pressing economic and social realities, our visionary Board of Trustees has approved

On Common Ground—a comprehensive campaign to revitalize the historic beauty, values,

and potential of Old Salem Museums & Gardens and MESDA—in order to assure that

our celebration of early America remains relevant and exciting in 21st century America.

Your generous support is essential to our success.Please learn more, ask questions, and become involved.

s important as scenic splendor and the promise of

an authentic experience, the cultural and academic

importance of Old Salem Museums & Gardens is world-renowned.

Housed in the magnificent Frank L. Horton Museum Center, the Museum

of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) safeguards an unparalleled collection

of furniture, ceramics, textiles and other material culture made in the pre-industrial

South—states including the Carolinas, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, and

Tennessee. Cherished by historians and studied by scholars, collectors, and curators

from around the country, MESDA boasts extensive research on Southern decorative

arts and the people who created them. Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a rare

combination of preservation and scholarship that includes unique access to history

through landscapes, architecture, and objects that reveal an authentic

view of early America and the South.

Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts

A

“Let me assure you, there is an awakening to the arts of the agrarian South. It is the purpose of this museum to recognize and study the decorative arts of the South, to publish material on the subject and, of course, to add scope to the interpretation of the Old Salem restoration program in Winston-Salem.”

— Frank Horton, Director of MESDA, 1972

Comprehensive campaign priorities—including a

research library and center, curatorial position,

expanded programming space, and an auditorium

—will strengthen the breadth of our collections

and the depth of our scholarly research

and writing.

WHAT DOES THE HEAD TEACHER at the Boys’ School in early 19th century Salem have in common with the beloved headmaster of a modern independent school in Winston-Salem? A passion for learning, the ability to motivate young minds, and selfless ambition to help his community progress. Proud to be a link between the past and present, Old Salem honors these extraordinary men and their extraordinary vision.

Douglas Lewis respected headmaster ~ today

winston-salem, nc

Peter Wolle revolutionary educator ~ 1815

salem, nc

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Where the past and future share common ground

While visitors to Old Salem and MESDA value immensely the experience

of going back in time as they walk our streets, study our collections, or

step inside historic buildings, our promise to them must now go beyond

existing as a mere window to the past. We must become a trusted path to

what lies ahead for our nation as much as we are an authentic reflection of

what came before.

1.Broaden Old Salem’s story and connect it to the American experience.

Without creating and nurturing ties to the present, the past loses relevance. Now is the time

for Old Salem to prove how its many historical narratives meaningfully touch our lives today.

In the context of early American dramas, we can better understand what we feel about the

most pressing issues of our own time—from economic challenges to race relations to immi-

gration policies. No less than we do today, the Moravians of Salem grappled with these same

timeless themes of humanity, always aiming for the most ethical and feasible resolutions

they could achieve without compromising their values. As Salem grew and evolved during

a century of upheaval, its residents witnessed both the founding of our nation and the Civil

War that nearly tore it apart. With so many individual stories of courage, tragedy, hope, and

glory, Old Salem offers a perfect place to reflect upon the essence of what it means to be

an American. By revitalizing the existing excellence and authenticity of the many diverse

historic assets throughout Old Salem Museums & Gardens, we ensure a healthy future for

this one-of-a-kind destination.

Our mission at Old Salem is to tell vibrant stories that inspire people to learn

from history and then think constructively about their future. To bolster the

museum’s connection to the community—now and for coming generations—

Old Salem Museums & Gardens will:

On Common Ground comprehensive campaign

2.

Indeed, we must build momentum from our

great history rather than rest upon it.

We now invite you to re-imagine a wonderful piece of American history

Yours.

Become a favorite, familiar, and frequented destination.

Considered by many to be a beautiful public space where remarkable historic architecture

coexists with quiet natural splendor, people often come to Old Salem to stroll or picnic

without ever buying a ticket. Regarding the area much like a free public park, many

individuals and families take for granted our openness and accessibility. Old Salem

Museums & Gardens must learn to meet the expectations of such visitors while also

providing them more opportunities to engage the museum in revenue-producing ways,

such as cafés, shops, and a gardening center. We will also expand our event

and performance programming to attract even more visitors. By

nurturing and furthering the many relationships Old Salem already

has, as well as making new ones, we will establish our suitability as

an appealing “third place”—providing visitors comfort, entertain-

ment, and satisfaction outside of work and home.

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3.Use innovative technology thoughtfully, strategically, and dramatically.

Imagine discovering that your bank or hospital used outdated technol-

ogy. How long would it be until you gave your business and trust to a

more innovative competitor? Museums across the country are learning

that it is essential to embrace technology across operations in order to engage audiences

and donors successfully. Whether it’s to personalize and strengthen marketing efforts,

maximize daily operational efficiency, or enhance the visitor experience through creative

exhibitions that use technology to animate storytelling, Old Salem recognizes the impor-

tance of keeping modern as we preserve the past. Given our long history of innovation and

adapting to the times, there is no contradiction with intelligent use of technology at Old

Salem; in fact, to survive and grow, we absolutely must prove our connection and relevance

to the world today. Alongside costumed interpreters and the delicious smells from the

Winkler Bakery, we now must thoughtfully incorporate new tools that can stimulate as

much as educate if we expect new generations of support.

Just as Salem was bustling with commerce and culture in the 18th and 19th centuries,

Old Salem is ideally situated to be a source of fun and everyday living for people in

our community today.

the New Old Salem Guided by these three overarching themes, we now begin a bold campaign to expand the

common ground between Old Salem Museums & Gardens and our community. Indeed,

Old Salem and MESDA can no longer afford to be considered mere windows to the past.

We must become a trusted bridge to the future as well. With sound museum practices,

a disciplined approach to growth, and, yes, generous contributions from our most loy-

al supporters, we now endeavor to adapt and expand our impressive resources while

developing new ones.

Now is the time. Please join us.

WHAT DOES A 23 YEAR-OLD WOMAN steering the education of young girls in colonial Salem have in common with a 95 year-old woman nationally renowned for her exceptional patronage of the arts and culture? Inspirational self-confidence, generosity of spirit, and the courage to take chances on bold ideas. Proud to be a link between the past and present, Old Salem honors these extraordinary women and their extraordinary contributions to our community.

Copey Hanes philanthropic visionary~ today

winston-salem, nc

Elisabeth Oesterlein teacher and role model ~ 1772

salem, nc

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In service of these three transformational priorities—broadening the

scope of what Old Salem means, deepening its relationship with the community

at large, and advancing how and where we use sophisticated technology—the

On Common Ground campaign has identified the following critical funding

needs. For more detailed cost analysis and projections of specific capital and

programmatic needs, please speak with a campaign volunteer.

Endowed Positions

To hire and retain distinguished professionals providing critical skills in areas of preserva-

tion, curatorship, programming, and education, which are critical for museum excellence.

Endowed Activities

To create and sponsor concerts, lectures, festivals, and other targeted programming in order

to bring more people and more diverse revenue streams to Old Salem Museums & Gardens.

To fund critical legacy and core mission activities such as historic preservation and

maintenance of structures and gardens along with well-established programs, conferences

and seminars.

how it will happen:

Primary Campaign Goals

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Flagship Capital Projects

Transform the museum experience materially and strategically, breathing new life

into existing facilities in order to entertain, educate, and enlighten visitors, thereby

increasing both direct and indirect attendance.

Boys’ School

Discover connections between 19th century educational

ideas and today’s best practices. Structurally, the Boys’

School is in urgent need of overall repair, but we are

equally committed to revitalizing the stories of this great

community building, using creative interactive technolo-

gies and hands-on experiential activities.

Frank L. Horton Museum Center

Create a proper, world-class research, exhibition,

and programming facility for MESDA and Old Salem

collections. Renovation of the Horton Museum

Center will strengthen the breadth of our collections

and provide depth and greater access to our scholarly

research. Campaign priorities for the Horton Museum

Center include an improved library and research

center, a curatorial position, expanded programming

space, and an auditorium.

On Common Ground

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Visitor Center

Enhance hospitality and visitor comforts while providing a reenergized and dynamic

introduction to various preservation, education, and research opportunities. As our

primary portal to the past, upgrade the efficiency of this facility and make it a vital part

of the museum’s experience for all audiences.

Dr. Samuel Benjamin Vierling House

Transform a beautiful and historic home into an

active center of scientific exploration. The Vierling

House, built in 1802 as the family home for one

of Salem’s first physicians, is the perfect setting

to establish a dynamic hub of scientific discovery

and appreciation. With interactive exhibits and

activities examining the local origins of medicine,

public health, and botany, this exciting repurpos-

ing of a historic residence will help visitors understand the direct connection

between long-ago achievements in science and the innovative, high-tech medical

research happening today in hospitals and laboratories only a few miles away.

T. Bagge Complex

Develop an exciting and vibrant commercial center and hospitality complex.

Through the new T. Bagge Complex, we will provide ticketed guests as well as visitors

more opportunities to engage in and enjoy the museum in revenue-producing ways,

such as cafés, shops, and a gardening center.

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WHAT DOES AN AFRICAN AMERICAN POTTER who purchased his own independence in the 1800s have in common with his great-great-great-great grandson and celebrated professional basketball player? Commitment to hard work, extraordinary tenacity, and the ability to inspire. Proud to be a link between the past and present, Old Salem honors these extraordinary men and their extraordinary accomplishments.

Chris Paul athlete ~ today

winston-salem, nc

Peter Oliver highly skilled craftsman ~ 1807

salem, nc

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hat began more than two centuries ago as a small Moravian town now stands

as a living monument to our shared past as well as a symbol of our bright future.

Old Salem is extraordinary because it lets us inhabit the ordinary lives of early Americans.

Built on a backcountry tract of rolling terrain that was then called Wachovia, the town of

Salem was a tight-knit community where people lived lives of struggle and joy as they tried

to build new lives in this place we call America. With an independent spirit all its own,

MESDA expands our perspective and deepens our understanding of these early settlers of

the South by sharing the story of the objects they lived with and used in their homes.

In many ways, the individuals and families of Salem faced the same challenges we do today.

And whenever we can find common ground on which to build and evolve, we inevitably

improve our story together.

with you, we will.

The footprint of a town. The history of a nation.

Inspiration for us all.

W

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Thank you for your support and friendship.

600 South Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101

1-888-OLD-SALEM (653-7253) 336-721-7300

www.oldsalem.org

On the Cover:

1787: A View of Salem by Ludwig von Redeken

1953: The team for raising the funds to restore Old Salem

(left to right) Dan Jennings, James Gray Jr., E.G. Green,

Dr. Dale H. Gramley, J. Ed Gibson

2011: A woman from the Republic of Niger is sworn in as

a U.S. Citizen in Salem Square on July 4th.

Back cover image by Mike Malaska