Waldensians Around the World

Valdese, NC

Peace and freedom from persecution brought population growth to the valleys of Northern Italy, the homeland of the Waldensians. Many were forced to emigrate to places where they could find opportunities to earn a better living. This need led a group to emigrate to North Carolina in the United States

In May of 1893, ten families left Turin, Italy, embarked at Boulogne, France, disembarked at Norfolk, Virginia and proceeded to Morganton, North Carolina.

In Morganton a land company sold them their farms. Before purchasing the farm which each individual wanted, they first selected the locations of the cemetery, the school, the church and the pastor's farm. And then around this center each individual selected his farm. The colony was called Valdese and became a flourishing Waldensian industrial village.

For many years these settlers maintained close relationships with their original home in Italy. They demanded and obtained Waldensian pastors for their church. They used the original language of the Waldensians which is French and kept close to the traditions of the Church.

Construction of the present Romanesque sanctuary began in 1896 with a dedication on July 4, 1899. Over the years changes and additions were made: in 1922 Tron Hall was built; in 1927 the north end of the sanctuary was revised; in 1939 Pioneer Hall was constructed; in 1945 the sanctuary was refurbished and new furnishings and the stained glass windows were added; in 1978 improvements were made and a new heating system installed; and in 1990 the sanctuary was enlarged, the cloister area added, and the entire complex refinished on the outside. Today the sanctuary seats at least 320 comfortably.

The stained glass windows carry the seals of the ancient reformed churches of Europe along with the seals of the Presbyterian churches of Mexico, Korea and Brazil.

The Valdese Museum 101 Rodoret Street SE Valdese, NC 28690 (704) 874-2531

The Waldensians of Valdese have always cherished their heritage, and early in the 1940's a concerned group determined that unless a central repository was established, many distinctively Waldensian artifacts would be lost. This group began collecting relics and memorabilia related to the founding and origin of early Valdese.

In 1947 a Historical Committee was appointed for the purpose of continuing to collect and display items of historical significance. In 1955 the collection was displayed for the first time in a small room in Tron Hall. As interest in a museum grew, many families contributed cherished heirlooms as well as monetary gifts. As visitors from far and near came to view the display, and many items continued to be added to the collection, the urgent need for additional space designed specifically to house museum artifacts became clear.

In 1971 the Session of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church authorized the Historical Committee to begin preliminary plans for a museum building. The museum was first opened to the public on February 16, 1974.

The Waldensian Museum is owned solely by the Church and it is maintained and operated by the Historical Committee of the Session and is staffed entirely by volunteers. Several thousand visitors tour the museum each year, including groups and individuals interested in Waldensian History and Culture.

To learn more...

The Waldenses in the New World - By Dr. George B. Watts ( A reprint of a 1941 book) $20.00 The Waldenses of Valdese - By Dr. George B. Watts $ 7.50 A History of the Waldenses - By the Rev. John Pons $ 6.00 You Shall Be My Witnesses - By the Rev. Giorgio Tourn and Associates (1989) $20.00 Genealogy of the Waldensian .Settlers in Valdese, North Carolina 1893-1990 $20.00 History and Heritage of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church 1893-1993 $25.00 Psaumes et Cantiques (in French) $ 2.00 Dolls dressed in Waldensian Dress $20.00

In addition to the above, there are numerous pamphlets and booklets of Waldensian history. Any of the above may also be ordered from: WALDENSIAN MUSEUM P.O. Box 216 Valdese, NC 28690

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