Utopia & Dystopia: Shakers and “The Giver”

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Grades 7-9

Meets NYS English Language Arts; Science and Technology; the Arts; and Social Studies standards.

Explore the history of the Shakers through this unique offering. This ELA/Social Studies program encourages critical thinking and class-led discussion to explore similarities and differences between the Shakers and the Community in Lois Lowry’s award-winning YA book, The Giver.

The Shakers worked to create a community that would be “heaven on earth.” The Millennial Laws proscribed every aspect of a Shaker’s daily life, and members were guided by Elders, Eldresses, Deacons and Deaconesses. Through comparative discussion of themes in Lois Lowry’s The Giver and a collaborative activity using primary and secondary resources, students examine Shaker life and consider the characteristics of a utopian and a dystopian community. The program includes a tour of the site and an introduction to the history of the local Shakers and the Shaker movement.

This program can be expanded to include a visit to Ann Lee Pond and the Shaker Cemetery. Scheduled as requested, usually 2-3 ½ hours.

BOCES Approved Artist/Presenter, eligible for funding – ID 1587A

To book a program, please contact Theresa Frey-Alexander, Education Director with the following information:

School name, address, phone number and district
Teacher’s information, grade level, and number of students
Program requested
Preferred Date and Time
Special Needs request

(518) 456-7890 x3
educator@shakerheritage.org

When can my visit take place?

This program is available Tuesdays through Fridays beginning at 9:30am, with the latest program beginning at 2:30pm. We offer this particular program from September through mid-October (please call for dates) and February through June. Please arrive on time for your scheduled visit. Groups arriving more than 20 minutes late may not be able to be accommodated.

Is the museum handicap accessible?

The Meeting House has an entrance with a wheelchair ramp. All of our programs will take place on the ground floor and our bathroom is also handicap accessible. We offer our programs to groups of all abilities and backgrounds.

What is the cost of a program?

Our programs are $5 per student, with no fee for teachers or chaperones up to one chaperone for every ten students. Additional chaperones are $5 a person. This program is also available as an in-classroom outreach program at a rate of $120 for the first class; additional classes at the same site on the same day $100 (up to 4 classes may be scheduled for the same day). A 50% deposit is required to book your program and is due at least one week (5 business days) prior to your scheduled program. If a deposit is not received by that time, the museum reserves the right to cancel your program. The remaining fee is payable the day of your visit. Payments may be made by check, credit card (Visa/MasterCard), or cash.

How long is the program?

Please plan 60-90 minutes for your visit. If you would like to explore the site on your own after the program, teachers should schedule additional time.

Are there chaperone requirements?

Please plan for one teacher/chaperone for every ten students.

What if we need to cancel our program?

Programs must be cancelled no less than three business days prior to the scheduled visit in order to receive a full refund of your deposit. Deposits will not be returned for programs cancelled after this time.

What if there are hazardous weather conditions?

In the case of inclement weather, you may reschedule your program and any deposits or payments made will be put toward that program. If rescheduling is not possible, the school will receive a fully refunded deposit. Please be advised that the museum may choose to reschedule programs due to weather even if your school is not closed. We are part of the school closings network and all of our closings or late openings will appear there (News Channel 13, Time Warner Cable News, etc.).

Can my group eat lunch at the museum?

Yes, depending on the size of the group, students can be accommodated at tables and chairs or they can eat in the bench section of the Meeting Room. Staff would appreciate assistance with clean-up after any lunch break. There are also some picnic tables outside, nice lawn areas, and the barn is also available, although there are no tables set up in the barn. Benches are available for teachers and chaperones, however.