The Scene
The Shaker Museum and Library merits a visit from the passing tourist and historically-inclined local. Special events such as antique fairs, The Strawberry Shortcake Festival and outdoor concerts provide the perfect excuse to drop by.
What to See
The museum's main draw is the simplistic and functional furniture, textiles, baskets and buckets. The adjoining Emma B. King Library houses a definitive collection of Shaker books, manuscripts and pamphlets. Like the items in the museum, these materials came from nearby Shaker communities.
The Story
Founded in 1950 by John S. Williams, Sr., this museum was the first of its kind, dedicated to the preservation and study of all aspects of the culture of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, better known as the Shakers. —Ron Gilmour
Originally published September 2000
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