OLD SALEM, N.C. — The historic district of Winston-Salem, Old Salem, is reopening more of its attractions after being closed for more than a year due to the pandemic.

What You Need To Know

Old Salem is now open after more than a year of being closed

A lot of preparation went into reopening this historical district

Virtual museum workshops are still an option 

Interpreter Joel Cook is getting the museum ready to open back up again by dusting and cleaning the buildings. 

Cook spends most of his time here in the tavern, which he describes as the gathering place in Old Salem where non-Moravians stayed and conducted business.

"You become the museum really because you're a person in historic clothing, so people take you at your word whenever you're interpreting for them," Cook explained. 

Cook took the job during the pandemic, so this will be his first time welcoming the public to this historic district.

"A lot of our preparation as well has been exploring the buildings again, you know, to remember what we had and what we have to talk about and cover," Cook said. 

Cook adds, he's excited for these quiet streets to be bustling again.

"It's just been like one or two of us occasionally stopping in to check on our buildings or maintenance staff working in our buildings, but it's been super quiet," Cook said. 

Cook says their team works hard to maintain the rich tradition in Old Salem, and he's excited to share opening day with his co-workers.

"The rewarding thing is getting into a groove with your co-workers. That's where a lot of that great work and great interpretation happens," Cook emphasized. 

Cook says they've expanded their digital platform and even went viral on TikTok while they were closed, so they're expecting visitors from all over the world.