SHS Home - Shaker Heritage Society

Watervliet Shaker National Historic District

Site of

America’s First Shaker Settlement

Discover the rich history of the Watervliet Shakers

and

their influence in American history

Explore Watervliet Church Family

and

surviving historic buildings and landscapes

The Shaker Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that offers award-winning educational programming about the Shakers, their innovative spirit and their influence on American culture. The Society is actively concerned with preserving the integrity of the Watervliet Shaker National Historic District, site of America’s first Shaker settlement.

The Church Family site, where the Society’s offices are located, is the heart of the 770-acre Historic District. The property includes nine remaining Shaker buildings, herb garden, open fields, apple orchard, Ann Lee Pond nature preserve, and the Shaker cemetery where the founder, Ann Lee is buried. Visitors are welcome to picnic, hike, enjoy a concert or workshop or just relax and experience the atmosphere of this special place. You can find out more about our current activities in our newsletter.

ABOUT THE HISTORY OF WATERVLIET

2024 Shaker Holiday Market

Needle Felted Mushroom Workshop

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New Online Store Coming Soon!

Content for the Curious

Shaker Heritage Society offers a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year. We offer three craft fairs annually that provide essential revenues for the Society and support local small business owners. These craft fairs have been running for over 20 years.

We also partner with other entities to offer public events on the grounds of the historic site.

LEARN ABOUT OUR FAIRS

Shaker Heritage Society rents the 1915 Shaker Barn for a wide variety of events including weddings, parties, fun educational activities for kids, and fund raising events for other not-for-profit organizations. The 1848 Meeting House also is available for selected events.

The historic grounds and buildings are lovely and conveniently located near Albany Airport and numerous hotels.

LEARN ABOUT OUR RENTALS

Learn about lectures, workshops and programs developed to educate the public about the daily lives of the Shakers, their beliefs, practices and values, and how they played an integral role in American history.

MORE ON SUPPORT

Your support funds programs and restoration projects that are critical to the future of the Shaker Heritage Society. Please consider donating today to ensure that we remain a valuable historic gem for the next 100 years!

You can also support the Shaker Heritage Society in other ways including volunteering your time, joining us at events, including us in your estate plans, following us on Facebook and Instagram and signing up for our mailing list.

A well planned gift can support the future of Shaker Heritage Society while helping you and your family achieve your financial goals.

One of the simplest planned gifts is a bequest in your will by which you designate either a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate.

DOWNLOAD A SAMPLE BEQUEST

The Shaker Heritage Society is a gem located near the Albany Airport. The history of the Shakers is very interesting, and the grounds are lovely. A visit to the summer and fall craft fairs is a must for me, as is a visit for holiday shopping in the Meeting House.

Worth a Visit!