The Waldensians
In 1893, a new wave of European immigrants called the Waldensians came from Italy to Ellis Island and then to Burke County, establishing what remains the largest settlement of Waldenses in the United States.
Their European history is thought to go back as far as the 12th century, when a small religious sect formed and came under persecution by the Roman Catholic Church because they wanted to read and interpret the Bible for themselves rather than deferring to a priest. Considered heretics, the Waldenses experienced centuries of merciless persecution during the Inquisition and through the Reformation, eventually being exiled from their valley homeland to the Cottian Alps. More than 150 years later, they recaptured and reclaimed their homeland through the “Glorious Return.” In 1848 the Edict of Emancipation finally gave them political and legal rights within their homeland and granted them the ability to worship as they chose.
Finally living in peace, their agrarian society outgrew the capacity of their ecosystem and the Waldensian diaspora began. Early in 1893, twenty-nine Waldenses arrived in Burke County and were followed by 100 additional settlers later that year. This group established a colony in Valdese in honor of Peter Valdo (Valdes/Waldo), founder of their religious sect.
The Waldensians contributed significantly to local economic development. Several successful large businesses, including a bakery (Alba-Waldensian, now Bimbo Bakeries), a hosiery mill (Valdese Weavers), and a Waldensian Winery (now a local venue) experienced tremendous growth and are still in operation today. The town of Valdese was a hub of the American textile industry in the early 20th century, and Waldensian businesses provided employment opportunities for the broader community and region.
To learn more about the Waldensian history and heritage, visit the following websites:
From This Day Forward Outdoor Drama by the Old Colony Players
Waldensian Heritage Museum exhibit depicting the agrarian lifestyle of the Waldenses.
Images of Waldensian History
1) The historic Waldensian Presbyterian Church sanctuary was dedicated in 1899 and has remained in continuous operation. 2) This historic story-quilt was created by members of the local Waldensian Community. 3) The Waldensian emblem bears the Latin motto (translated): "A Light is Shining in the Darkness of Night.” 4) The Waldensian Heritage Museum located in historic Valdese.