Sisters House History

History

In October of 1766, four young women and twelve older girls made an historic journey from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Bethabara, North Carolina. This group of unmarried women who made that month-long journey by foot would eventually move to the town of Salem, into the Single Sisters House. These strong, independent women of the Salem Single Sisters House became the founders of Salem Academy and College.

The Single Sisters House is the earliest remaining building of Salem's remarkable history. Built in 1785, and enlarged in 1819, it is one of the most significant buildings in the history of women's education in the United States. The girls and women who have lived there over the past 234 years have included students at Salem Female Academy, teachers at Salem Female Academy, and students at Salem College. At a time when education for women was unheard of, the Single Sisters House sheltered dedicated teachers and students who were eager to learn mathematics, science and geography, along with the arts of music, drawing and needlework. Operating the school was an entrepreneurial business for the Single Sisters, which made them economically independent and prosperous. So prosperous, in fact, they were known for their charitable contributions. They paid off the loans of the Single Brothers, donated money to their local community and church, and gave funds to help start the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Single Sisters who lived in Salem were more fortunate than other women in the Colonial backcountry where there were few opportunities for unmarried women. The Single Sisters enjoyed a measure of security and independence and operated several successful businesses. Within the choir system1, they received a general education and learned valuable skills. Though marriages were arranged by the church, a Sister had the right to refuse a proposal. Sisters were both spiritual and business leaders in their Choir, and women had a vote in the Elders Conference which governed the church. Personal development and spiritual growth were an important part of communal living. These women lived, learned, worked, ate, slept, and worshipped together, sustaining themselves and the community they loved.

Because of the excellent record-keeping abilities of the Moravians, we are provided with nearly every detail of their everyday lives--from that famous walk from Bethlehem (1766) to the final days before the Sisters gave their house to Salem Academy and College in 1910. The original Single Sisters shared a commitment to sisterhood, quality education, leadership, spiritual development, and service to others. More than two centuries later, the Single Sisters House stands as a reminder of the enduring values which continue to guide Salem Academy and College.

Exerpts from Sisters

1 Within the Moravian community, members were divided into choirs or groups based on age, sex, and marital status. Choirs included Married Men and Women, Single Brothers, Single Sisters, Widows, Widowers, and Children. In Salem, the Single Brothers and Single Sisters would have their own choir houses where they practiced communal living.