Artisan Market Returns to Canterbury Shaker Village
On Saturday, September 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village will host their annual Artisan Market, featuring handcrafted goods and the opportunity to explore the Village grounds. In total, the Artisan Market will feature approximately 20 vendors selling a wide range of items, including fine art, textiles, photography, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, and metal work. Admission is free.
“This year, the Artisan Market will play a part in our Commemorating 250 Years: Shakerism in America celebration,” said Visitor Services Manager Charlie Decker. “We are so excited to invite local artists to share their work and offer guests the opportunity to experience the Village when so much is going on here.”
At the Artisan Market, attendees will be welcome to visit the special exhibit, Keeping Faith, where rare, early Shaker artifacts are on display in honor of the 250th commemoration. Some of these items include fragments of founding leader Ann Lee’s dress, leader Lucy Wright’s dressing pins, and second leader James Whittaker’s bible. “These are some of the most significant objects in our collection, connected to the earliest days of the Shaker community and leadership,” explained Education Manager Kyle Sandler. “This is a rare opportunity to experience early Shaker history.”
According to Decker, the Artisan Market honors this history in its celebration of community and the Shaker legacy of craft. “This year, we are especially trying to honor those values,” they said.
About Canterbury Shaker Village
Featuring 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement, the Village is designated as a National Historic Landmark with 25 restored original Shaker buildings and 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings. In addition to tours, exhibits, and programs, Canterbury Shaker Village provides wonderful, relaxing, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings.
Canterbury Shaker Village is a member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information about The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.