The Shakers community was most popular in the mid-1800s. The Shakers practiced pacifism, celibacy, equality of the sexes, and shared communal property. They educated their own children and farmed 3000 acres of land.
The Enfield Shaker Historic District has the largest Shaker stone dwelling ever built, which is quite beautiful. You can also see other historic buildings as well.
Getting There
You can’t miss it. It’s right off 4A in Enfield on the left.
Hours and Admission
Monday-Saturday, 10 am- 5 pm. Sunday, 12-5 pm. $12 adults, $8 youth, $3 10 and under, 5 and under free.
Learn from a Knowledgeable Guide
You get a guided tour where you can ask lots of questions and walk around the grounds. Our guide was kind and super knowledgeable. I stayed for a few minutes and wanted to stay longer to learn more and get the most out of the experience, but with a toddler, the self-guided tour was a better option.
Or See Original Photos and Learn History at Your Own Pace
As you roam, you can read lots of interesting facts on the walls and see historic photos, which I really enjoyed and found fascinating.
Walk the Grounds and Look at Magnificent Architecture
There are multiple buildings you can walk through.
Many are set up with exhibits that show life during the time period. I liked the parsonage that was set up as a school house.
I also liked learning about the equipment they used back then too.
See the Gardens and Walk the Trails
They have volunteers who work the gardens in the summer. They look beautiful and I was impressed with the size of the gardens! They even have a children’s garden. I didn’t get to walk the trails but next time I want to hike to the Feast Ground for the great view.
Come to an Event
The Shaker Museum hosts groups, individuals, and events throughout the year. When I visited there was a trumpet seminar and musicians from across the country were staying at the museum and honing in on their musical skills. Later I understand the museum will host a concert by the musicans of the Chosen Vale. There will be a series of percussion concerts in July.
There are workshops for adults and children throughout the year and festivals too, like the Patriotic Sing-a-long and pie sale.
Be a Shaker for the Day
You can be a shaker for a day, which is a program for families of children ages 8-12 and learn about sheep sheering or woodworking.
Learn a Skill
Soap making, natural dying, oval box making and more. They also do Tuesday tours. Upcoming you can learn about the Shakers and Civil War and how to make blueberry jam.
