Shaker Heritage Society

Founded in 1977, the Shaker Heritage Society is a non-profit historic preservation group which runs interpretive educational programming about the Shakers and their influence on the region; it is also actively concerned with preserving the integrity of the Watervliet Shaker Historic District, America's First Shaker Settlement.

The Church Family site, where the Society's offices are located, is the heart of the 770 acre historic district; eight remaining buildings, fields, apple orchard, Ann Lee Pond and nature preserve, and the Shaker cemetery comprise an intact, contiguous site.

The society is renovating the 1848 Shaker Meeting House, to serve as headquarters for its educational activities. It offers special group tours of the building and historic district, craft courses, workshops, lectures, and several annual events throughout the year.

The is the symbol used by the Shaker Heritage Society as its logo. It represents both the Shaker's spiritual name, Wisdom's Valley, and Watervliet, the name of this area in the 19th century before it was changed to the town of Colonie in 1895.

HOURS

Open: February to October - Tuesday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Open: November & December - Monday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed between December 19 and January 31, 2010)

Guided tours: for groups of 8 or more are available by appointment. For more information, please call 518-456-7890 ext. 23.

ADMISSION

Adults: : Free (donations gratefully accepted)
Guided Tours: $5.00 per person
Children: (under 12) Free

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

From Exit 4 off the Northway (I-87) go west 1.3 miles on Albany Shaker Road. Go straight at the STOP sign onto the grounds of Ann Lee Home. The second building on your right is the Shaker Meeting House

View (and print) a map courtesy of Mapquest.

INFORMATION

Shaker Heritage Society
1848 Shaker Meeting House
875 Watervliet Shaker Rd. Suite 2
Albany, New York 12211
Telephone: 1-518-456-7890
Fax: 1-518-452-7348

Web Site: www.shakerheritage.org

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