News

January 18, 2019

Discover Albany Visitors Center Hosts “The Shakers in Albany: America’s First Shaker Settlement” Exhibit

The Discover Albany Visitors Center is proud to host the exhibit, “The Shakers in Albany: American’s First Shaker Settlement,” presented by Shaker Heritage Society.

The Utopian religious community commonly known as the Shakers was established in Albany in 1776 by “Mother” Ann Lee. The Shakers are renowned for their technological innovations, music, architecture and furniture. The Watervliet (Albany) Shakers were entrepreneurial inventors of household objects like the flat-broom, pacifists involved in abolitionist causes, and strove to achieve gender and racial equality within their community.

“We hope that this exhibit will introduce visitors to the basic tenets of the Shaker faith, the rhythms of their daily lives, and the ongoing efforts of Shaker Heritage Society to preserve their legacy,” said Johanna Batman, Executive Director of Shaker Heritage Society.

The exhibit includes background on the Shaker faith, family life, and efforts to preserve the community. Visitors will also learn about the major role textiles played in Shaker daily life. A loom is on display in the exhibit area and visitors are invited to try their hand at weaving.

“I am excited for this informative and hands-on exhibit at the Discover Albany Visitors Center,” said Batman. “I hope that it inspires visitors to visit us at Shaker Heritage Society when we reopen in the Spring to continue learning about the importance and rich history of the Shaker community.”

Shaker Heritage Society is located at 25 Meeting House Road. The site features nine original Shaker buildings including the 1848 Meeting House and 1915 Barn. Also located on the site is the Shaker herb garden, orchard, cemetery, an exhibit room, and gift shop. Shaker Heritage Society is closed for the winter but will reopen March 2. The site is adjacent to the Ann Lee Pond Preserve, which remains open dawn to dusk throughout the winter months for hikers and dog-walkers.

“The Shakers in Albany” exhibit will be on display at the Discover Albany Visitors Center, located at 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, from January 12 – February 22.