Bring Your Group for a Visit
Are you a bus tour company looking for a beautiful and unique stop? A professor looking for an experiential connection to your topic – history, sociology, architecture, religion? A small group of travelers looking to explore the history or agriculture of the region? Hancock Shaker Village has much to offer.
The Visitor Center has a museum store, a gallery with rotating exhibits, and a café that can accommodate sit-down buffet lunches. A large parking area includes free coach bus parking.
The Village welcomes and accommodates a range of visitors. 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.
Or call 413.443.0188 x201.
Self-Guided Group Visits
Offered every day through November 3, advance reservation required.
Allow two hours or longer.
2024 Rates: $18/person (for groups of 15 or more)
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 contact us to arrange a sit-down buffet lunch.
Guided Group Visits
Offered every day through November 3, advance reservation required.
Allow 2 hours. Includes unlimited self-guided time.
2024 Rates: $20/person (for groups of 15 or more). 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 for a sit-down buffet lunch.
Private Small Group Tours
Availability and cost vary, depending on season and time of day. Please contact the museum at least two weeks before the date of visit. Available for groups smaller than 15 people.
Would you like to have a guided tour but your group numbers fewer than fifteen? 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. Join an historic interpreter for a walk through the Village, visiting the animals in the barn, exploring some of the historic buildings, and learning about the history, beliefs, lifestyle, and influence of the Shakers. Availability, content, and cost may depend on a range of factors, including time of year, time of day, and number of visitors. To discuss the options, please contact the museum at least two weeks prior to the date you would like to visit.