Where is This New England Shaker Village?
Have you seen this village? Can you tell us what New England town and state it is in?
We can’t tell you the name of the village because it is the same as the town where it resides.
But we can tell you it’s a Shaker village. The Shakers are a religious group known for their hard work and quiet and simple living.
These structures are part of an internationally known non-profit museum founded in 1969 to preserve the heritage of the Shakers. Should you visit, the hope is that you will take time for “learning, reflection, and renewal of the human spirit,’’ according to the museum’s website.
This National Historic Landmark includes 25 restored buildings, 4 reconstructed buildings, and 694 acres of forests, gardens, nature trails, fields, and mill ponds. But it was much bigger than that in its heydey.
The village, established in 1792, boasted more than 100 buildings on 3,000 acres by the 1850s. The Shakers emigrated from England to the United States in 1774 and established 19 self-contained communities between Maine and Kentucky. There are several surviving Shaker communities in New England.
A historic front door.
This particular village is one of the oldest and most preserved of the villages. Here, you will find the only first-generation Meetinghouse, built in 1792, along with a Dwelling House, built in 1793. They are both in their original locations.
During your visit, you can choose between a guided or self-guided tour of the village and take part in workshops on topics that range from broom making to home orchard care.
Ever wonder how the Shakers got their name?
The group was actually called The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, but were known as “Shaking Quakers’’ or simply “Shakers’’ because of the way they danced ecstatically as they worshipped.
Scott Snyder, of Scott Snyder Photography, is a New England photographer who couldn’t resist photographing the museum.
“Shooting there in the depths of winter is a special pleasure,’’ Snyder told Boston.com. “What is a working museum in other seasons is silent and empty. I find it easy to connect with the Shaker virtues of simplicity and quiet joy. After an afternoon slowly wandering the grounds or trails I am renewed.’’
A big thank you to Snyder for sharing his beautiful images. You can check out Snyder’s work in “Creative Visions,’’ opening January 22 and running through April at The Provident Bank in Amesbury.
Do you know where this Shaker village is?
Check back with us tomorrow for the answer. And get travel inspiration every Tuesday on Twitter using the hashtag #TravelTuesday.
The answer: Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, N.H.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com