The Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts is a scholarly, refereed e-journal presenting new research about the decorative arts and material culture of the American South prior to 1860. 

Publication of the Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts is made possible by the Betsy W. Allen Memorial Fund, established in 2021 to honor her memory and passion for MESDA’s scholarship and research.

Photography and image reproduction for the Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts is supported by the John Bivins Memorial Endowment Fund, established in 2001 by Anne McPherson Bivins and Matthew and Evan Bivins.

The journal is published by the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) at Old Salem. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, MESDA is home to the finest collection of southern decorative arts in the country. Founded in 1965, MESDA is widely recognized for its contributions to the study and understanding of southern history, decorative arts, and material culture. Visit MESDA’s website for more information about the museum’s collections, research, and programs.

MESDA is one of the museums at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, among America’s most authentic history attractions. Visit Old Salem’s website to learn more about the Historic Town of Salem, the Gardens of Salem, and Moravian history and culture.