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

Hancock Shaker Village is open year round (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day).

Self-guided Tour Season of Village Highlights: April 7, - May 25, 2007. The Village is open daily, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Experience the Village at your own pace and explore our highlight buildings.  Informative videos and friendly, knowledgeable staff are available throughout the Village to bring the Shaker story to life.  Demonstrations, farm chores and other special activities throughout the day enhance your understanding of Shaker life.

Admission
Adults: $12.50
Youth ages 13 - 17: $4
Children 12 and under: Free
Hancock Shaker Village members: Free

Explore the Main Village Season: May 26, - November 25, 2007. Immerse yourself in the Hancock Shaker Village experience. See the Village buildings, visit with our friendly and knowledgeable staff of interpreters and demonstrators of traditional crafts and trades.  Try your hand at making an oval box in the Discovery Room. Have an up-close encounter with our farm animals.  Special and changing activities throughout the day.
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission
Adults: $15
Youth ages 13 - 17: $5
Children 12 and under: Free
Hancock Shaker Village members: Free

Guided Tour Season: Late fall , through mid-April, 2008. Learn about the Shakers and their way of life as a guide takes you through the 1830's Brick Dwelling and the 1826 Round Stone Barn.  Generally, tours are available at 1:00 PM each weekday and weekends at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. It is best to call in advance for tour times, as weather conditions may affect the schedule.

Admission
Adults: $12.50
Youth ages 13 - 17: $5
Children 12 and under: Free
Hancock Shaker Village members: Free

Visit the Village and galleries at your own pace. Choose demonstrations, talks, and tours from a changing schedule of activities. Discover the Shaker legacy through daily craft demonstrations, talks on Shaker life and worship, first-person programs, and farm and garden demonstrations.

VISITOR AMENITIES

Visitor amenities at the Village include a fully-stocked Museum Shop which carries an extensive line of reproduction Shaker furniture and furniture kits, crafts, books, herb products and gifts, and a seasonal cafe and picnic area. Walking tour brochures are available in English, French, German, Spanish and braille.

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