Where Waldensian history comes alive

Standing where their ancestors once stood is a powerful experience for Waldenses descendants who travel to the Waldensian Valleys of Italy — but even for visitors without family ties to the region, seeing places they’ve read about in history books can be just as meaningful.

Every couple of years, Waldensian Heritage Museum Executive Director Gretchen Costner organizes a trip to the valley for a group of about 25 travelers, give or take a few people.

The itinerary typically includes visits to villages such as Prali — the namesake of Valdese’s Praley Street — as well as Synod Hall, where Waldensian clergy gather.

Another memorable stop is a cave where the Waldensians once worshipped in secret while facing religious persecution.

Inside the cave, Costner said the group often holds its own brief service by singing French hymns and reading passages from the Bible, much as the early Waldenses did.

When they went in early June, Costner said, “There were two other guys that went in when we (did) and joined in.”

The Waldensians spoke a French dialect known as Patois. Some village elders still speak the language today, Costner said.

After being branded heretics by the Catholic Church in the 1100s, the Waldensians endured centuries of persecution.

The Waldenses left Italy in the late 1800s. They arrived in what would become Valdese on May 29, 1893.

For many travelers, another emotional highlight comes at the cultural center in Torre Pellice, where genealogical research is available by appointment. Costner said the center has handwritten records dating back to the 1600s.

“I’ve had some of them just cry sitting there looking at their genealogy and looking at those names and seeing names reoccurring that are still being used,” Costner said.

Waldensian Heritage Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman John Heilman said family records may have stretched back further at one time but were likely destroyed by the Catholic Church.

“To see how our families did survive through all that, through those persecutions, is amazing,” Heilman said. “Our families even made it to Valdese.”

The trip is just as meaningful for participants without Waldensian ancestry.

Valdese Councilwoman Rexanna Lowman, a retired Burke County Public Schools teacher and lifelong Valdese resident, said seeing the valley firsthand gave new meaning to the history she spent years teaching.

“It was just so meaningful to go,” Lowman said. “I’ve seen the drama (‘From This Day Forward’) many, many times, and to actually go there and see a lot of these places that I have read and studied and taught about ... (is) something that I’ll cherish the rest of my life.”

Lowman encourages any Valdese resident who has never made the trip to consider going.

“It is well worth their time,” she said.

Each trip follows a similar itinerary, Costner said. The group stays in Torre Pellice and takes day trips to surrounding villages throughout the Waldensian Valley. Lodging, transportation, and meals are included in the trip cost.

Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own airfare, which typically costs between $1,600 and $2,000 for economy tickets. The tour itself generally costs between $2,000 and $2,500, depending on the exact itinerary.

Those interested in joining a future trip can be added to the waitlist by emailing Costner at director@waldensianheritagemuseum.com. Interested parties are not required to be Valdese residents.

The next trip is scheduled for September 2027.