Town of Valdese

Valdese, NC

Whether your Valdese visit is a family stopover or a couple’s weekend get-away, you don't want to miss the shopping our downtown has to offer or a trip through the 19th Century at the Waldensian Heritage Museum. You can experience the journey of the Waldensians at the Trail of Faith and take a bird’s eye view of mid-century Valdese at the model train museum operated by the Piedmont and Western Railroad Club. Check our schedule for special events, concerts, and showcased arts and crafts exhibits at the Old Rock School Art Galleries.

Shop downtown Valdese for antiques, jewelry, unique gifts, handmade crafts, and consignments. Visit our parks for a leisurely picnic or cool off at McGalliard Falls. Spend the evening enjoying one of our many outdoor concerts, festivals, car shows, and our must-see outdoor drama, “From This Day Forward".

Our Heritage:

During a period of Roman Catholic dominance, Waldenses vowed to live out the teachings of the Bible at a time when only priests were allowed to read and preach the Bible.  Going against the church's doctrines, they were declared heretics. 

Though many were massacred, miraculously some survived centuries of the Inquisition.  Those remaining joined the Reformation in 1532 and suffered more persecution as Christians were killed or imprisoned. Eventually, they were exiled into the Swiss Alps.  In 1689, a contingent of men began the journey back to their valleys in the "Glorious Return."  The Edict of Emancipation (Feb. 17, 1848) gave the Waldenses political and legal rights. The many beautiful displays in the museum tell the story of how they survived almost insurmountable odds to establish a thriving community in Burke County built upon hope and dreams based on the faith of their fathers. Read more about our heritage here.

For information on Town Services and town Government, go to townofvaldese.com