Canterbury Shaker Village To Commemorate 250 Years of Shakerism in America
In early August, Canterbury Shaker Village will kick off a year-long celebration, Commemorating 250 Years: Shakerism in America, which will include many free special events and exhibits that honor the Shaker legacy. Events include Special Dedication Ceremony: 2024 Shaker DesignⓇ First-Class stamps (August 3) at the post office in the Village’s 1831 Trustees building; Mother Ann’s Day (August 4) with cake, refreshments, and traditional live music; and talks with Shaker experts Daryl Thompson (August 6) and June Sprigg Tooley (August 10).
“Daryl and June are important Shaker scholars who lived and worked with the Canterbury Shakers,” said Education Manager Kyle Sandler, who also noted August 6 is an important date in Shaker history. “This date marks 250 years since Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shakers, arrived in New York City.”
Other events include Special Tour: Building Union: The Early Years at Canterbury Shaker Village (August 7), Member’s Preview: Keeping Faith Special Exhibition (August 8), made possible with support from New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities; and Commemorating 250 Years: “Keeping Faith” Special Exhibition Opening (August 10). “These events all provide unique insight into the Shakers and their core values of community, simplicity, and innovation,” added Sandler.
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.