Travel American Shaker Communities

The National Park Service invites you to explore stories, places, and the people of American Shaker Communities. The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing - known as the Shakers - was founded in Manchester England in the 18th-century. It was brought to the United States by Mother Ann Lee in 1774. They eventually founded 19 communities within the country, though only the Sabbathday Shaker Community in Maine exists today.

Explore more. Discover our Shared Heritage Travel Itineraries and learn about our diverse heritage by visiting Telling All Americans' Stories.

long branches leaning against a single story white clapboard building

Trip Idea: Travel Shaker History

Need weekend trip ideas? Fit Shaker sites in Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Ohio into your itinerary!

print of shakers dancing

Stories

The United Society of Believers (Shakers) was founded in Manchester England. Learn about how this religion was formed

historic photo of a group of shakers sitting outside

Shakerism in America

Shakerism was brought to the United States by Mother Ann Lee in 1774. Eventually there were 19 communities spread throughout the country

psychometric drawing of ann lee

People

Ann Lee, born in Manchester, England, expanded the Shaker religion to the United States in 1774

Shaker painting "Tree of Life"

Lucy Wright

Lucy Wright was one of the first Shaker leaders born in the United States, and was responsible for spreading the religion across the country

row of white clapboard buildings in Sabbathday Lake

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine was founded in 1782 and is the only surviving Shaker community in the world

historic photo of the shaker church in mount lebanon, ny

Mount Lebanon Shaker Society

Mount Lebanon was the spiritual center of Shaker Society. It set architectural and commercial standards for other Shaker communities

looking up a spiral staircase in pleasant hill

Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill was the first Shaker community founded in Kentucky, and is known for its architectural feats

Last updated: March 26, 2018

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