Celebrating Valdese

The History Museum of Burke encourages the public to visit the Waldesian Heritage Museum in Valdese, N.C. to explore the rich heritage of the Waldensian people, many who settled in Valdese.

Laurie Johnston, curator of the N.C. room at the Morganton Public Library, has hundreds of historical photographs cataloged in the Picture Burke program and many other photos are housed in the Waldensian Heritage Museum.

The photographs document the entire span of Valdese history, from when the first Waldensian settlers arrived in the spring of 1893 through modern day. Many of the photographs came from the family of Antoine Grill, who was one of the first settlers and the first Waldensian photographer in the area.

Gretchen Lane Costner, left, and Laurie Johnston, right

Gretchen Lane Costner, left in the photo, has served as the Executive Director of the Waldensian Heritage Museum for more than 11 years. She also works as a Curator at the Museum, conducting tours for visitors of all ages. Laurie Johnston has served as the Curator of the North Carolina Room for nearly four years, where she collects and catalogues information and photographs related to Burke County, which she uses to help people research local history and genealogy.