Adult Programs

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The Shaker Heritage Society has developed a series of interactive classes specifically designed for adult audiences. Through these classes, we help participants discover the fascinating world of the Shakers. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the everyday items that the Shakers invented, where they lived locally, and how they played an integral role in American history. We offer both hands-on sessions and academic lectures.

These programs allow your group to explore this fascinating local historic landmark in your own facility or meeting space. The hands-on classes are offered at two different levels to allow community organizations, nursing homes or retirement communities to customize programs for their unique audience.

Level One classes are primarily for individuals with physical and mental abilities limited by dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. These classes are half an hour in length, and a brief introduction to Shaker beliefs and history is followed by a basic hands-on activity. Level Two sessions are designed for seniors with standard physical and mental abilities. These sessions last approximately an hour.

The development of these programs is made possible through a grant from the New York State Council of the Arts.

The Shaker Heritage Society offers lectures to community organizations, social clubs, church groups, college classes, and other organizations. Lectures may be presented at the museum or off-site. They can be tailored to fit the interests of your group. Some examples of topics that have been covered in the past are: general history of the Albany Shakers, race and gender in Shaker communities, and Shaker design.

Fee: $75 on-site and $100 off-site. Mileage is charged for sites more than 10 miles from the Society’s offices.

On-site lectures are available from March through September. For more information and booking procedures, please contact us at:

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

The fee for all Hands-on Programs is $100. Mileage is charged for sites more than 10 miles from the Society’s offices. Please note that the following programs have an additional $25.00 fee to cover the cost of materials:

The Fabrics of their Lives
Clover, Comfrey and Chamomile

For more information and booking procedures, please contact us at:

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

The Fabrics of their Lives: Shaker Textiles

While the Shakers were known for their simple garments, they were also recognized for producing high quality fabrics and accessories. View images of textiles from the Shaker Heritage Society collection and examine reproduction garments.

Clover, Comfrey and Chamomile: Shaker Herbs

This session introduces the Shaker plant and herb industries. Learn what plants were used to dye fabric, treat illnesses and flavor foods. Sniff samples of herbs from our extensive garden. Discover how the Shakers marketed their products and gained a trusted reputation in the farming and medical communities. Try grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle and create fragrant sachets that you can keep in a drawer or closet.

Stews, Biscuits and Pies: Shaker Cooking

Truly a feast for the senses and the mind! The Shakers were known for their delicious, hearty and healthy food. This unique program encourages collaboration between the Shaker Heritage Society and your dietetic staff. Using original Shaker recipes, your staff can create a scrumptious, nourishing meal to feed your residents. A SHS program presenter will then visit your group to share information about Shaker food, discuss their thoughts on the meal and explore everyone’s personal memories of favorite foods, holiday meals and family dishes. Food and food preparation is the responsibility of the host organization’s dietetic staff.

The Surprising Shakers: Unexpected Experiences, Practices and Events in Shaker Life

Did the Shakers drink alcohol? Smoke tobacco? Keep pets? Did people ever leave the Shaker community and get married? These are all questions that we regularly hear at the Shaker Heritage Society. The answers are complicated and often depend upon the year, the community and the individual. Learn about the Shakers’ rules and how they were occasionally broken. Hear fascinating stories gleaned from Shaker journals and newspaper articles.

The Shaker Definition of Community

What was it really like to live in a Shaker community? How did people become members? Who were the leaders? Who cooked for the dozens of Shakers? Learn the answers to these questions and many more when you hear about everyday life in the Shaker community. Using primary sources, including photographs, journals and newspaper articles, discover the stories of the men and women who lived as Shakers in this region.

All Souls are Created Equal: Race and Gender in the Watervliet Shaker Community

This academic lecture explores the experiences of women and African American Shakers. In Shaker communities, men and women shared power and African Americans were embraced as equal brothers and sisters. However, friction between Shaker ways and worldly laws led to surprising legal battles and changes in New York State laws. Join us as we learn about these little known aspects of Shaker history.

We are able to customize programs upon request. Please contact educator@shakerheritage.org or call (518) 456-7890 x23 to discuss how we can best assist your community or organization.