Shaker Discovery Tours
Take a deep dive into the Shaker world! Led by experienced Village staff, each tour focuses on a single subject–architecture, textiles, foodways or woodworking—that illuminates the Shaker experience and legacy. The featured topic changes weekly; see the complete schedule below.
Architecture: Shaker buildings may look simple, but they represent a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence. Explore the Village’s architectural landscape on this guided walk. The tour will focus on several signature buildings, including the Brick Dwelling, the Round Stone Barn, and the Laundry and Machine Shop.
Textiles: Hancock Shakers were experts at producing their own textiles: from raising Merino sheep and growing flax to processing wool and flax to building looms to spinning threads and weaving fabric. They also had clever ways to launder it all! This tour includes the gardens, the sheep, the Sisters’ Dairy and Weave Shop, the Brick Dwelling, and the Laundry and Machine Shop.
Woodworking: The Shakers are known for their commitment to perfection in craft, especially woodworking. This tour will focus both on the process and product of fine Shaker woodworking by visiting workshops in the Brethren’s Shop and Tannery as well as collection objects in the Brick Dwelling. The tour will include a demonstration of the water turbine in the Laundry and Machine Shop.
Foodways: The Shakers grew and processed their own food, a major factor in their overall good health. This tour will focus on the Shaker diet and dining practices through the centuries with a tour of the gardens and barns and a close look at the Brick Dwelling, especially its extraordinary kitchen. The tour will also visit the Sisters’ Dairy.