The Shakers were a religious sect founded in Manchester, England in 1747. They settled in upstate New York and grew throughout New England, Kentucky, and Ohio. They were known for their devout Christianity, work ethic, and furniture making. Today, only one community remains in Maine, with a handful of members and a museum open to visitors.
The Shakers are a small religious sect founded in Manchester, England in 1747. Their name comes from the derogatory term “Shaking Quakers”, which they were initially called due to their tendency to shake their bodies spastically while praying. The first leader of the Shakers, Ann Lee, was known as Mother Ann and she claimed to have visions of God. She was imprisoned in England for her controversial religious views; Upon her release, she led a small group of eight fellow Shakers across the United States.
This group settled in a small town in upstate New York. They believed in celibacy and attempted to raise new generations of children by adopting orphans into their community. The Shaker movement soon grew, with new communes appearing throughout New England, as well as in Kentucky and Ohio.
Shaker communities were known for their devout Christianity, their street clothes, and their work ethic. Many people in the community became proficient in furniture making, which are highly regarded today for their excellent craftsmanship. As excellent farmers, they were also responsible for many agricultural inventions, such as the clip and the circular saw. They were also famous for their collection of medicinal herbs.
Today there is only one community of Shakers left, located on Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine. The community has only a handful of members and they are no longer allowed to adopt children as a religious group. They lead a quiet life, full of work and prayer. There is a Shaker Museum on the premises which is open to visitors, and visitors can also attend Sunday services. On the first Sunday in August, the Shakers celebrate Mother Ann Day, in honor of the group’s founder. Some believe that once membership in the group dwindles to just five members, there will be a revival.
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