Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts Debuts New Installation of Permanent Collection

February 1, 2009

Contact:
Karen Jarvis or Jeanne Sturiale
Annese Public Relations, Inc.
336-722-1921

Southernisms: People and Places, the MESDA Collection, MESDA's new tour, explores the history of the South through the objects made and used by its peoples. From the first English footsteps at Jamestown to the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, and from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the banks of the Ohio River, MESDA's new tour uses decorative arts to explore the people and places that make the South unique.

The new tour lasts 50 minutes, and is offered every hour, on the hour, 10AM to 4PM Tuesday through Saturday, and 1PM to 4PM Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the Old Salem Visitors Center, or the Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

About MESDA

The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) is the preeminent center for researching, collecting, and exhibiting decorative arts made and used by those living and working in the early South. MESDA is one of three museums at Old Salem Museums & Gardens.  The Web site address is www.mesda.org.

About Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its three museums – the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Old Salem Toy Museum – engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South.