Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Shaker Village, the Shakers' "City of Peace," beckons you to discover the way of life of America's most successful communitarian society. Now a living history museum, the village was an active Shaker community from 1790 to 1960. Members held all property in common and practiced celibacy, equality and separation of the sexes, and pacifism as they sought to create "heaven on earth." Putting their "hands to work and hearts to God." the Shakers created a society based in spirituality but rich in practicality and ingenuity. Discover their unique approach to life and the remarkable fruits of their labors at Hancock Shaker Village.
Explore the extraordinary 1826 Round Stone Barn, the remarkable 1830 communal Brick Dwelling, and eighteen other restored buildings which span three centuries. From the early water-powered laundry and machine shop to the heated 1916 automobile garage, you will marvel at Shaker design, workmanship, inventiveness and efficiency. Envision the Shakers worshiping in ecstatic dance and song in the sparse simplicity of the 1793 Meetinghouse. Learn about 20th century Shaker life amidst the worldly decor and comforts of the Trustees' Office and Store.
Appreciate Shaker industriousness as you watch artisans and farmers at work. Chat with gardeners as they harvest herbs, vegetables and seeds in the heirloom gardens. Try a spinning wheel, loom or quill pen in the Discovery Room. Enjoy a candlelight dinner in the quiet of the evening. Share in the excitement of plowing matches, sheep shearing and harvest activities. Explore Shaker archaeological sites. Savor the order and tranquillity of the "City of Peace."
Progressive farmers, accomplished artisans, and innovators in many areas, Shaker practices and products were admired by the "world's people." Their vegetable seeds, medicinal herbs, chairs, woodenware, brooms, baskets and other goods brought the Shakers recognition and prosperity. Today our farmers and gardeners, weavers, basketmakers, cabinetmakers and other artisans use Shaker methods to bring history alive.

HOURS AND VILLAGE ADMISSION

Open: Hancock Shaker Village is open from April 13, 2013 through October 27, 2013. Guided tours are available for groups with advance reservations.

Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm April 13 - June 30, 10:00am - 5:00pm July 1 - October 27.

Village Store is open 10:00am - 5:00pm during the main season, and online shopping is available year round.

The Village Harvest Café is open daily during April through October, hours of operation depending on the season. Our 2013 season Cafe hours:
Open 11am to 4pm April 13 – May 5 for Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm
Open 11am to 3pm May 6 – June 30
Open 10am to 4pm July 1-September 2 (Labor Day)
Open 11am to 4pm September 3 – September 27
Open 10am to 5pm September 28-October 27

Admission

Adults: $18.00
Youth ages 13 - 17: $8.00
Children 12 and under (must be accompanied by and adult): Free
Hancock Shaker Village members: Free

VISITOR AMENITIES

The historic grounds of Hancock Shaker Village, along with the Village Harvest Cafe and Village Store, will be open from April 16 - October 30, 2011. In addition, shopping is available online all year round, and the modern facilities in our Visitors Center are available for meeting and event rentals year round. To welcome our foreign visitors, a walking tour map and orientation video are available in French, German, Japanese and Spanish. Our Audio Tour, free with general admission, is available in English, German, French and Italian.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Hancock Shaker Village is located in western Massachusetts in the heart of the Berkshires. It is at the junction of Routes 20 and 41 west of Pittsfield. Convenient to the Massachusetts Turnpike, Taconic State Parkway and New York Thruway, it is a one-hour drive from Albany and a three-hour drive from New York or Boston. The Village is located near Tanglewood, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Clark Art Institute and many other major cultural attractions.

For information on lodging, contact the Berkshire Visitors' Bureau at 1-800-237-5747 or 1-413-443-9186.

INFORMATION

Hancock Shaker Village
P.O. Box 927
Route 20
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202
Telephone: 1-413-443-0188 or 1-800-817-1137
Fax: 1-413-447-9357
Email: info@hancockshakervillage.org

Web Site: www.hancockshakervillage.org

Additional Information: Interactive Map of Hancock Shaker Village.
To view the movie at this site you must download Quicktime 5 from Apple Computers.
The link is on the web page.

Additional Information: The Shaker Round Barn.

For information on activities and events
at Hancock Shaker Village,
please go to our Calendar of Shaker Events