Founded in 1766 by the Moravians, Old Salem is now a historic district containing over one hundred original buildings, public streets, gardens, and churches, all restored to reflect how they looked at the time of the early settlers. Visitors can interact with costumed docents and participate in hands-on activities, including the Moravian art of intricate paper cutting, pottery, sewing, and writing with quill pens.
The property also contains the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, which features furniture, paintings, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork from the 17th to 19th centuries, all displayed in twenty-four period rooms. A highlight of the district is the Old Salem Toy Museum, which contains a fascinating collection of toys spanning nearly two thousand years, including a lead die dating back to 225AD.
A Children's Museum offers a place for parents and children to learn about colonial life through interactive play. For authentic Moravian fare, guests should stop at the Salem Tavern for sautéed lobster crab cakes, chicken pie, and traditional Moravian cookies.
