Mother Ann
Visitor Center, Chace Gallery, April 13-December 1
Mother Ann celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Shakers’ arrival in America with an introduction to Ann Lee, the religion’s dynamic leader. The exhibit highlights her ten years in America, including her mission trips throughout New England and the struggles she encountered, resulting in her early death at age 48.
Mother Ann was a progressive and resolute pioneer who held the same attributes as the new nation in which she found her spiritual sanctuary. Mother Ann was a charismatic leader and made profound changes in religious and social arenas. She was only one of ten women religious leaders before 1800. Her determination led the Shakers from a small group of Believers into a society of thousands, living in 19 communal villages. Due to her innovative beliefs, the Shakers practiced equality of the sexes, pacifism, unqualified celibacy, the abolishment of slavery, and the communal ownership of goods. Fundamentally, Shakers were unequivocally advanced in their beliefs concerning moral principles for the common good of all and continue their mission to this day.