Canterbury Shaker Village, New Hampshire – Legends of America
Ever heard of the Shakers? No, not the ones who make you a killer cocktail! We’re talking about a fascinating group of people who once lived in self-sufficient communities, striving for a life of simplicity, equality, and spiritual devotion. And one of the best places to get a glimpse into their world is Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire.
This isn’t just some random old building; it’s one of the most well-preserved and authentic Shaker villages you’ll find anywhere. It’s like stepping back in time to a place where life was different, where people valued community over consumerism, and where shaking during worship was totally normal (more on that later!).
Who Were the Shakers, Anyway?
Okay, so who exactly were these "Shakers"? Officially, they were called The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing. But the nickname "Shakers" stuck because, well, they got pretty enthusiastic during their religious services. Think trembling, whirling, and yes, shaking!
Their story starts way back in 1747 in Manchester, England. But it was a woman named Mother Ann Lee who really shaped their beliefs. She brought the Shaker way of life to America in 1774, and it really took off.
What Made Them Unique?
So, what was life like in a Shaker community? Here are a few key things:
- Communal Living: Everything was shared. They lived, worked, and worshipped together as one big family.
- Productive Labor: They believed in hard work and making useful things. They were known for their craftsmanship and innovation.
- Celibacy: This is a big one. Shakers didn’t marry or have children. They grew their communities through converts.
- Pacifism: They were against violence and war.
- Gender Equality: Women and men were considered equal in the eyes of God, which was pretty progressive for the time.
They were also big supporters of social reform, like the abolitionist and feminist movements. Basically, they were trying to create a little slice of heaven on earth.
Canterbury’s Story
In 1782, some Shaker leaders from New York made their way to Canterbury, New Hampshire, and started spreading the word. By 1792, the Canterbury Shaker Village was officially founded. It grew and thrived, and by the 1830s, it was a bustling community with a reputation for quality goods and a strong work ethic.
The Shakers were smart business people. They embraced new technologies and reinvested their earnings back into the community. Their "brand" became synonymous with honesty and reliability. They even used their resources to help the poor and do good in the world.
Canterbury Village, like other Shaker settlements, had everything a community needed: homes, workshops, a laundry, a school, and even a hospital. The Meeting House, designed by a guy named Moses Johnson, was the heart of the village.
From Boom to Bust
At their peak, there were 19 Shaker communities scattered from Maine to Kentucky. Canterbury was one of the oldest and most successful. But things started to change.
By the time of the Civil War, the Shakers were making all sorts of things to sell, especially furniture. They even adopted some modern inventions, like trains and telephones.
But after the war, the Industrial Revolution changed everything. It became harder for the Shakers to compete with mass-produced goods. Plus, their whole "celibacy" thing made it tough to keep the population up. One by one, Shaker communities started to close down.
The End of an Era
In 1905, Canterbury had 100 members. By 1916, there were only 49, mostly women. The last male member died in 1939. In 1957, the remaining members decided to close the Shaker Covenant, essentially ending the community.
But the story doesn’t end there.
A Living Museum
In the early 1980s, Canterbury Shaker Village opened its doors to the public as a historic site. Visitors could tour the village, meet some of the last surviving Shakers, and learn about their way of life.
The last Shaker elder, Bertha Lindsay, passed away in 1990. By 1992, the very last Shaker at Canterbury, Sister Ethel Hudson, had died at the age of 96.
In 1993, the village was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Visiting Today
Today, Canterbury Shaker Village is a museum that brings the Shaker story to life. You can explore the original buildings, wander through the gardens, and see exhibits that showcase Shaker craftsmanship and ingenuity.
The museum has a huge collection of Shaker artifacts, documents, and photographs. It’s a great place to learn about Shaker architecture, community planning, and the different phases of Shaker life.
It’s a beautiful place to visit and learn about a unique chapter in American history.
Plan Your Visit
Canterbury Shaker Village is located at 288 Shaker Road in Canterbury, New Hampshire. You can take guided tours, see craft demonstrations, and explore the restored gardens. Some of the buildings open to the public include the Meeting House, Laundry, Sisters’ Shop, School, and Dwelling House. There is an admission fee.
Canterbury Shaker Village
288 Shaker Road
Canterbury, New Hampshire 03224
(603) 783-9511
Website: https://www.shakers.org/
Other things to explore:
- Destinations in America
- Immigration to the United States
- Shakerism in America
- Utopias in America
Hope you enjoyed this little trip back in time! It’s amazing to think about the different ways people have tried to create a better world.