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Old Salem Walking Tour (Winston-Salem, NC)
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Founded by the local Moravian community in Salem, N.C. in 1772, Salem Academy and College was originally a primary school for girls taught by single Moravian women of the community. The Single Sisters’ House was completed in 1786 and currently houses the Single Sisters’ Museum on the campus of Salem Academy and College, the oldest school for girls and women in the United States.


Salem Female Academy c.1860

Building, House, Facade, Rectangle

Single Sisters' House 2020

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Salem Academy and College Main Hall 2022

Daytime, Property, Fixture, Architecture

The Moravians, a German-speaking sect of Protestants who in 1753 first settled the area now known as Winston-Salem, believed strongly in equal education for both boys and girls. As result, the Moravians established a girls’ school in Salem in April 1772. The school was run by the unmarried women of the Moravian community, referred to as the Single Sisters. These women lived and worked together and were self-sufficient. In 1802, the town of Salem decided to open the girls’ school to non-Moravian students from outside the community. The Boarding School for Female Education immediately attracted students from outside the region because it was the only such school open to girls in this area of the south.

The school thrived in the early 19th century and remained open despite the Civil War. Salem expanded its curriculum after the war with course offerings in post-secondary education, business courses, and a vibrant school of music. In 1890, the school, now known as Salem Female Academy, began awarding college diplomas.The school officially changed its name in 1907 becoming Salem Academy and College, and it celebrated the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2022.

The Single Sisters House, built in 1786, is an important landmark in the history of women's education. Over the years, it housed both teachers and students of Salem Academy and College. It is currently used for the Admission Office of Salem College, classrooms, and a museum. The museum, which is free and open to the public, focuses on the history of Salem Academy and College.

Today, Salem Academy is a boarding and day school for high school girls. Salem College admits women to its traditional undergraduate program, and accepts both women and men into its graduate programs. Additionally, The Fleer Center serves both men and women over 23 who wish to continue their education.

The Anna Maria Samuel Project. Accessed November 7th, 2023. https://www.salemacademyandcollege.org/ams.

History Salem Academy and College. Accessed November 7th, 2023. https://www.salemacademyandcollege.org/ams/history.

Bowman, Jessi. Timeline of Salem History and StoryMap, Accessed November 7th, 2023. https://www.salemacademyandcollege.org/ams/timeline.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Salem Academy and College Archives

Salem Academy and College