Bring Your Group for a Visit
If you are looking for a rich and engaging group activity, immerse yourself in the past as you explore a village where Shakers lived, farmed, worked, and worshipped for 170 years. Below is a list of options for visiting our historic site. The Village also has a museum store and a café that can accommodate groups for pre-arranged catered lunches. A large parking area includes free coach bus parking.
Much of the property and some of the historic buildings are handicap accessible. The museum has wheelchairs and walkers available for visitors to borrow, free of charge. An introductory video is subtitled in a number of languages, and a site map is available in Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. For more information about accessibility please review our Know Before You Go Guide.
Self-Guided Group Visits
Offered every day through November 2, advance reservation required.
Allow two hours or longer.
2025 Rates: $18/person
Explore the Village’s historic buildings at your own pace. Chat with friendly, knowledgeable interpreters who bring to life the story of the Shakers, America’s most successful utopian society. Watch demonstrations of traditional crafts or enjoy one of our many talks during the day. Visit our farm animals in the Round Stone Barn and Dairy Ell. We suggest taking at least two to three hours for your visit as you delve into the lives of the Shakers, exploring the power of their religious beliefs, the echo of their song and everyday routine, the splendor of their gardens, and the simple beauty and efficiency of their architecture, furniture, and tools. Groups may dine on their own in the café or may arrange a catered lunch in advance.
Groups should have at least 15 people to pre-arrange a visit.
Guided Group Visits
Offered every day through November 2, advance reservation required.
Allow 2 hours. Includes unlimited self-guided time.
2025 Rates: $20/person. An additional guide fee may apply.
A lively and knowledgeable historic interpreter will escort you on a 75-minute walking tour of the historic Village, highlighting our most significant buildings – the Brick Dwelling, the Round Stone Barn, and the Laundry & Machine Shop. Come away with a deep appreciation of the Shakers as together you delve into themes of religion, community, farming, innovation, and technology. Explore the Shakers’ design heritage, evident in our impressive collection of buildings, furniture, and artifacts. We suggest scheduling at least two to three hours for the visit, allowing the group to explore the Village after the tour, browse the museum store, or stop for a bite to eat in the on-site café; you can also arrange a catered lunch.
Groups should have at least 15 people to pre-arrange a visit.
Private Small Group Tours
Are you interested in visiting Hancock Shaker Village but cannot be here when the museum is open? It may be possible to arrange for a private small group tour. To discuss the options, please contact the museum at least two weeks prior to the date you would like to visit.
If you have further questions, please call our Group Tour Coordinator at 413-443-0188, x- 201.