Step Back in Time on a School Day Trip to Old Salem, North Carolina

Are you interested in stepping into 18th and 19th century history? A school day trip to Old Salem offers scholars the chance to taste freshly baked treats, stroll through preserved historic streets, and interact with immersive storytellers who bring Moravian history to life in unforgettable ways. Located in Winston Salem, Old Salem is one of North Carolina’s most engaging living history destinations and a favorite for curriculum connected field trips.

Learn more about our Old Salem Trips

Many people do not realize that Old Salem played a major role in shaping North Carolina’s early economy and culture. Founded by Moravian settlers in 1766, Salem quickly became a thriving trade and manufacturing center in the Wachovia region. Its skilled craftsmen, structured education system, and progressive approaches to community life helped influence the development of what would later become Winston Salem and the surrounding region. Today, Old Salem Museums & Gardens preserves this history through restored buildings, hands on demonstrations, and engaging educational programs designed specifically for school groups.

When scholars visit Old Salem, they have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of historic spaces that bring early North Carolina history to life.

Historic Buildings and Experiences Scholars May Explore

Vogler House

The iconic Vogler House provides insight into the lifestyle of the prosperous Vogler family as well as the enslaved individuals who lived and worked in the home. Scholars can examine architectural details and intricate metalwork while learning about social structures in early Salem.

Timothy Vogler Gun ShopSalem’s gunsmiths produced hunting rifles for the local community and surrounding areas. Scholars can watch skilled craftspeople work in the same original space where rifles were historically made, offering a powerful connection between past and present craftsmanship.

Salem Tavern Museum

At the Salem Tavern, scholars explore the cultural crossroads of Colonial Americans, Central European Moravians, and enslaved people of African descent. This building helped connect Salem to the outside world and offers rich lessons in trade, travel, and cultural exchange.

Blum House Joinery

This stop immerses scholars in traditional 18th century woodworking. Tradespeople demonstrate techniques used to support Salem’s commercial success and establish the town as a major provisioning hub in early Wachovia.

Potter’s Workshop

Moravian Redware pottery was prized for both its beauty and function. Scholars observe potters using foot driven wheels and historic molds while learning how handmade goods supported daily life and commerce.

Single Brothers’ House

One of Old Salem’s most iconic buildings, the Single Brothers’ House tells the story of young men ages 14 to 21 who lived, worked, worshipped, and trained as apprentices under master craftsmen. Scholars gain insight into early workforce training, discipline, and community living.

Boys’ School

School is in session. Scholars explore Moravian education for boys ages 6 to 14 through hands on activities that engage all the senses. This is the oldest school building in America dedicated specifically to the education of boys and remains a highlight for student groups.

Miksch House and Garden

Built in 1771 for the Miksch family, this home offers a glimpse into early family life in Salem. Scholars can see daily chores, cooking, baking, and handcrafts just as they were done more than 250 years ago. The garden portion requires a ticket for entry.

Doctor’s House

Constructed by Dr. Samuel Benjamin Vierling, this house and apothecary explore the Moravian approach to health and healing, which emphasized physical, spiritual, and emotional well being. The apothecary is also where the deed selling land that would become Winston, North Carolina was signed.

Winkler Bakery

A favorite stop for many groups, Winkler Bakery is one of the oldest continuously operating bakeries in America. Scholars can purchase Moravian Sugar Cake, Lovefeast buns, cookies, and other treats while learning how food traditions were woven into Moravian culture. Baked items may contain allergens and are not gluten free.

How Holbrook Field Trips Helps Make Old Salem Easy for Teachers

Planning a meaningful field trip takes time, coordination, and a lot of behind the scenes work. That is where Holbrook Field Trips comes in. We partner with teachers to handle the logistics so they can focus on their scholars.

From transportation and scheduling to program coordination and clear communication, we help streamline the planning process from start to finish. Our team works closely with schools to build well paced day trips, manage timelines, and ensure the experience aligns with classroom goals. We also support teachers with planning resources, payment tools, and flexible options that make field trips more accessible for families.

An Old Salem day trip is more than just a visit. It is a hands on extension of the classroom and a chance for scholars to connect with North Carolina history in a meaningful way. We are proud to help teachers bring this experience to life.