Shaker Heritage Society offers a wide variety of educational programs including school programs that meet numerous New York State Learning Standards, programs for senior citizens, outreach programs, lectures, craft workshops, and guided tours. All of our programs can be modified to meet the needs and interests of diverse audiences of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The Society’s annual craft fairs in July, September, and Christmas have become a community tradition that supports local craft artisans while also providing opportunities to learn more about Shaker history and the Watervliet site.
The Watervliet site (located in the Town of Colonie) is significant for numerous reasons. The garden seed industry, flat broom, and vacuum sealed tin cans were invented by Watervliet Shakers. Shakers developed innovative planned communities that emphasized gender and racial equality. Watervliet served as a model for many 19th century religious and social experiments. Historical incidents at Watervliet led to many changes in New York State laws governing divorce, child custody and property ownership and recent research has proven that the community was engaged in sheltering fugitive slaves.
