Record #:

7597

Author(s):

Teague, Beth

Abstract:

Valdese, Burke County's second largest town, was founded by the Waldensians, a pre-Reformation Christian sect from the Cottain Alps of Italy. Members of the group emigrated to Burke County in May 1893, searching for freedom and room to grow. Residents of the town work very hard to preserve this history. Every year their story is retold in the outdoor drama “From This Day Forward,” the nation's fourth oldest outdoor drama. The Trail of Faith, an outdoor museum with fifteen exhibits, details the Waldensians' centuries of struggle in Europe and recreates their historic journey to North Carolina. Other activities the town offers include visits to the Old Rock School, the Waldensian Heritage Wines, and Myra's, and playing a game of bocce.

Source:

Our State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 73 Issue 8, Jan 2006, p18-20, 22-23, il, map

Subject(s):

Valdese--History; Valdese--Description and travel