Shakers United States Church History Christianity
Shakers United States Church History Christianity
Shakers
The Shakers, officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Coming, were an offshoot religious movement which originated in England in 1747. Called the "Shaking Quakers" for their trembling from religious fervor, the movement bloomed after adherent Ann Lee emigrated to New York and founded the upstate colony of Watervliet. The movement peaked in the mid-19th century in the Northeast before falling into decline.
Shakerism holds that God has dual natures, male and female; reflected in this are beliefs in the equality of the sexes and familial communism. The Shakers were also pacifists, beileved in the communal ownership of property, and participatory worship involving singing, marching, and open confession of sins. Shakers were probably best known, however, for their furniture and crafts, and in their belief in total celibacy-- a belief which required a constant stream of new converts to maintain the sect. The Shaker communities peaked in membership around 1860, but by the late 1990s only the New Gloucester, Maine community remained.
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- Explains museum collections, library resources, special events, nearby accommodations, and gift shop offerings at site devoted to local Shaker history.
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- A non-profit historic preservation group which runs interpretive educational programming about the Shakers and their influence on the region.
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- (Maine) A profile of the only remaining active Shaker community.
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- (New Lebanon, NY) includes a brief overview and tourist information.
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- Includes article, music clips, recipes, and links.
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- Articles on Shaker culture and craftsmanship.
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- Online versions of some of the documents published by the early Shakers in times past, including those discussing their beliefs, prophecies and inspired transmissions from the Godhead.
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- (Enfield, NH) Visitors' information; bibliography.
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- A history of the Shakers, including a discussion of their beliefs, with links to related sites.
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- (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) Cultural museum: virtual tour, online shop.
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- A brief history of the Shaker movement, including their cultural and musical contributions.
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- Historical background of the United Society of Believers (Shakers), links to museum, library archives, calendar, and the herb catalog.
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- Article about the interaction of the Shakers with the contemporary Oneida Community in New York. Includes a profile of the sect, its history and doctrine; by Randall Hillebrand.
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- A restored Shaker community and living museum. Includes a profile of facilities which include dining, lodging, and crafts.
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- (Old Chatham, NY) Visitors' information and calendar.
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- Photographic tour.
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- (Kentucky) A Shaker museum. A brief history of the sect, including a group photograph.
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- Offers Shaker herbs and crafts.
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- Cultural Museum, Restaurant, Shop (Canterbury, NH) virtual tour; contact information; online shop.
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