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 tranquility 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.
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 tranquility 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.
Information
Hancock Shaker Village
P.O. Box 927
Route 20 & 41
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202
Telephone: 800-817-1137 or 413-443-0188
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.hancockshakervillage.org
P.O. Box 927
Route 20 & 41
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202
Telephone: 800-817-1137 or 413-443-0188
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.hancockshakervillage.org
location and 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.