We invite you to explore the history of Körner’s Folly, the Victorian Era, and the Körner family through these special virtual exhibits featuring objects and documents from the Körner’s Folly Foundation Collection.
Ingenuity and Intrigue: The World’s Fair
The World’s Fairs were extraordinary expositions of Victorian ingenuity, inspiring many new ideas of possibilities in art, technology, and industry for attendees, including the Körners. From the introduction of automobiles and electronic gadgets to brownies and Dr. Pepper, the World’s Fairs have shaped the world for over 170 years.
Check out Ingenuity and Intrigue: The World’s Fair to explore the World’s Fairs that shaped the Körner family’s experiences and to see some of the fantastic souvenirs they brought home to Kernersville.
Who Was Aunt Dealy? Forging Family & Identity in Mid-19th Century America
This exhibit aims to provide more information and context about the life of Clara Körner, also known as Aunt Dealy, and her experiences. Clara’s life, spanning the years 1820 – 1896, offers a unique opportunity to explore the impact that slavery, Reconstruction, and a fast-changing society had upon the lives of Americans during this often overlooked historical period.
Featuring some of Clara’s material possessions, as well as historical records and family history, Who Was Aunt Dealy? offers an engaging way to celebrate Black History Month. Visit the exhibit here.
The Intersection of Music, Art, and Theatre: A 120 Year Legacy
From orchestra practices to Juvenile Lyceum performances, Körner’s Folly once buzzed with the wonders of the performing arts, providing a creative outlet for the Kernersville community and leaving a legacy of artistic culture on the Piedmont Triad.
Explore The Intersection of Music, Art, and Theatre: a 120 Year Legacy here to understand how the Körner’s passion and dedication to the arts shaped not only the family but also Körner’s Folly’s most recognized architectural features.
Doré Körner: Adventurer, Genealogist, and Journalist
Defying convention, Doré Körner was only 21 years old when she embarked on a 14-month journey that crisscrossed Europe and the Middle East. Her solo travels also included language and art studies, such as French and oil painting. From the Matterhorn to the Dead Sea, Doré recorded her experiences for her family and the readers of the Twin City Sentinel.
Explore the Doré Körner: Adventurer, Genealogist, and Journalist here to see her writings, experiences, and objects that provide a fascinating look at her escapade and reflections on what stepping outside the world of Kernersville was like in the 1910s!
Victorian Cocktails On-Demand: An Intoxicating History
For those 21+, “Victorian Cocktails” provides a fun, educational experience with Körner’s Folly Historic House Museum in partnership with Fair Witness Fancy Drinks. Explore Victorian Cocktails — where you can download the shopping list of ingredients, and then view the private exhibit, and video demonstrations to make three unique historical cocktails.
Due to the nature of this exhibit, there is a small fee to participate. You can purchase access to the exhibit here. All money raised helps support our work to restore and preserve Körner’s Folly for the education and enjoyment of the public.
Home for the Holidays: Exploring Victorian Christmas Traditions
Ever wondered about the origins of your favorite Christmas traditions? Believe it or not, many of the time-honored holiday traditions we have grown up with actually began in the Victorian Era. From Christmas trees to cards and gifts, the merrymakers of the 19th century paved the way for a modern American Christmas.
Check out Home for the Holidays: Exploring Victorian Christmas Traditions here to learn more about the Victorian holiday customs the Körner family participated in, such as food, family, festivities, and Moravian traditions.