28

VISIT THE SHAKERS

Sabbathday Lake, Maine, is home to the last remaining Shaker community in the world, with only two remaining members, but a wealth of information and products to share with the public.

Shakerism once spread throughout the east from Maine to Kentucky. At its peak, there were 4,000 to 6,000 members in 23 United States communities. Now the 1,800-acre, eighteen-building Sabbathday Lake community in New Gloucester is the last one standing.

The nonprofit group Friends of the Shakers helps out around the farm, with its members traveling from around the world to get the community ready for winter or to help spruce up the grounds for summer. The group also raises money to preserve the buildings and land. And they welcome volunteers if you want to help out.

The Shakers derive income from the farm, including a large apple orchard, and still produce some small woodenware, baskets, yarn, weavings, food, art, and specialty items such as made-to-order “food stones.” The Shakers never shunned technology, so you can shop the Shaker store online.

The Sabbathday Lake community is open to the public from May to October. Tours of the museum are available by advance reservation. Several one-hour guided tours of the Shaker Village are available from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. A tour of the herb garden is included with the guided tour or may be purchased separately. The Sunday service is also open to the public. Scholars and authors can explore the collection and library with an appointment. There are also musical events held throughout the season.

xb