Explore America’s First Shaker Settlement

Home » Explore America’s First Shaker Settlement

Grades 1-12

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

Students explore the site of America’s first Shaker settlement while learning about life in a 19^thcentury community that was both agricultural and industrial. Topics include the history of the Shakers, innovation and invention, agriculture, architecture, and industry. The tour includes the 1848 Meeting House, the herb garden with 150 plants labeled according to their historic uses, and the 1915 Heritage Barn. The tour can be extended to the Ann Lee Pond, Shaker Orchard, and Shaker Cemetery.

Hands-on activities and interdisciplinary programs featuring nature studies can be included. Programs are adapted at an appropriate level for each student group. Scheduled as requested, from 1 to 3 ½ hours.

Middle school and high school

Tours can focus on a variety of topics and curricular standards, including architecture, history, invention and innovation, primary research. SHS can also arrange a community service project separately or as a program component.

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

You can download a complete list of the educational programs we offer here.

To book a program, please contact Theresa Frey-Alexander, Education Coordinator 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?

Programs are available Tuesdays through Fridays beginning at 9:30am, with the latest program beginning at 3:00pm. We offer the “Explore America’s First Shaker Settlement” program from September through mid-October (please call for dates) and April through June. Other on-site programs may be available at other times; please call for availability and details. 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. 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?

For grades K-2, please plan 60-90 minutes for your visit. For grades 3-6, please plan 90 minutes to 2 hours for your visit.

Are there chaperone requirements?

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

What if we need to cancel our program?

Please contact SHS staff as soon as possible and explain the circumstances. We will work with you to reschedule a visit.

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.