Bethania Ramble

Preservation NC’s final Ramble of the year will highlight a very different area of our unique state! You’re likely familiar with the nearby living history museum of Old Salem, but have you visited the smaller settlement of Bethania? Join us in exploration of Bethania, established in 1759 as a self-sufficient farming community which allowed both Moravian and non-Moravian settlers.

This National Historic Landmark (one of only 40 in NC!) is the only known existing Germanic-type Linear Agriculture village in the South. Our Ramble through Bethania’s 500-acre Historic District will reveal exquisite detailed craftsmanship, stacked stone walls and cobblestone paths, and peaceful nature areas. The Town Plan exemplifies both Old World planning and New World adaption. 

Preservation NC Rambles give you the chance to explore the historic homes and buildings of a NC community inside and out — and at your own pace! We’ve partnered with property owners and community leaders to share beautiful and interesting historic properties in a single day, many not often open to the public.

Save time at the door! Advance purchase recommended.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

10:30 Pre-Tour: Historic Bethabara Park
2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem NC
On your way to Bethania, we encourage you to visit Historic Bethabara Park. Founded in 1753 by German-speaking Moravians, Bethabara was the first European settlement in the North Carolina piedmont. A National Historic Landmark and Local Historic District, the Park encompasses 183 acres of preserved wildlife, historic buildings and grounds, walking and birding trails, and protected wetlands.

LUNCH: On your way to Bethania, make sure to grab lunch before the Ramble!

12:30: Welcome and Overview at God’s Acre with Mike Leonard
Park at Bethania Moravian Church, 5545 Main St, Bethania NC 
Start the Ramble in God’s Acre, Bethania’s beautiful Moravian cemetery. Mike Leonard will help orient you to the tour in this beautiful, quiet space that perfectly demonstrates how important the preserved landscapes are to the town: alleyways, orchards, Upland Fields, Bottom Lands along Muddy Creek where 24 medieval-style agricultural fields were assigned to the original 24 families, remnants of the 1784 mill, mill race, and pond are all significant to understanding this uniquely special place.

1:00-3:00: Bethania Ramble
Ramble around Historic Bethania sites including Alpha Chapel (1895), Bethania Moravian Church and Parsonage (1852), Pythian Hall/Old Schoolhouse (1897), Michael Hauser House (1789), and more!

3:00-4:00: Closing Reception at the Cornwallis House (1770s)
Close out your day with light refreshments at the spectacular Cornwallis House, home of Mike and Michelle Leonard. Constructed before 1775, the Hauser-Reich-Butner House or Cornwallis House, is a two-story log house with clapboard siding. Its parlor contains very unusual trompe l’oeil murals including painted windows opening onto pastoral scenes added by owner Naeman Reich around 1850.