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Hancock Shaker Village

1843 W Housatonic St, Routes 20 & 41, Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-443-0188
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Ranked #2 of 14 attractions in Pittsfield
Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Farms
Owner description: Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum whose mission is to bring the Shaker story to life and preserve it for future generations. Called... more » Owner description: Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum whose mission is to bring the Shaker story to life and preserve it for future generations. Called the "City of Peace" by the Shakers who lived here for 179 years until 1960, this community was the third of 19 major Shaker Villages located in New York, New England, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. There are 18 original historic buildings on this site. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to making the Village a center for reflection on living the principled life. The values that the Shakers embraced -- equality, pacifism, community, sustainability, responsible land stewardship, innovation, simplicity and quality in work -- resonate with us today. In addition to viewing the architecture, we have so many things to see including the farm and gardens, the animals, costumed interpreters, demonstrations of handicrafts like weaving, spinning, and blacksmithing, hiking and walking trails, the Discovery Room where kids can do hands-on activities, photo and art exhibitions, a cafe and picnic area. We have modern amenities and the village is handicapped accessible. « less
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109 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    75
    23
    7
    3
    1
Date Rating
Boston, Massachusetts
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

We've visited Hancock Shaker Village several times over the last 5 years. The village has many buildings constructed by the Shakers. The architecture is simply beautiful and there are friendly interpreters inside each building to explain the design and function of the building and to answer any questions. The main brick dwelling quarters is a beautiful, simple, symmetrical building and... More

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Cape Cod
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 16, 2013 NEW

The village is well run and plan on spending at least a few hours there to see all the buildings. The machine shop was extremely worthwhile as a staff member showed how they used hydro power to run items like a band saw and other carpentry tools. The round stone barn is huge and a staff member will explain how... More

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Fall River, Massachusetts
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 15, 2013 NEW via mobile

My wife and I had visited the shaker village in New Hampshire a few years ago and as for the many similar things they had, many of the structures were different. This place is worth checking out especially if you can get the multi museum pass at a discounted rate

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See 3 more reviews by Walt_Lucas for Pittsfield
Ellon, Scotland, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 13, 2013 NEW

Excellent place to visit. We spend most of the day here. It was not busy being early in the season. Very interesting and informative. A few of the buildings had staff in costume to give explanations or demonstrate what happened in the building. We enjoyed see the turbine being demonstrated. The barn is fascinating. Beautiful walks and there are animals... More

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Waterford, Connecticut
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3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 12, 2013

Hancock Shaker Village presents the Shakers' history in an informative and interesting way. Many exhibit buildings had costumed staff demonstrating Shaker crafts/skills and visitors were encouraged to participate with questions and in some cases, could participate in the demonstration. The programs were designed for all age groups. Signage was excellent and very user friendly. A most pleasant way to spend... More

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Los Angeles
Top Contributor
97 reviews 97 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 56 cities Reviews in 56 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

We visited the Hancock Shaker Village on a driving trip through New England and were very glad we stopped. We had visited a similar spot called "Old Wisconsin" on a previous trip and had really enjoyed the history and enactors, so we were hoping for something similar. The history of the Shakers was unknown to us and visiting the village... More

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Fairport, New York
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2013

visited on the way home form Springfield MA wonderful experience the self walking tour was great with historical information about the Shakers. They were a peaceful people, welcoming to all and perfected some crafts--- furniture, dairy products etc.. Activities for children, they can dress up like Shaker children and learn different skills ie: weaving, milking a cow (fake of course,... More

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Warren, Michigan
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2013

This is the third Shaker Village we have been to. Out of the three this would be my third favorite. The one in Kentucky would be my favorite and the one in New Hampshire (which was the first and where I got interested in the history) was the most informative. Definitely happy that we stopped

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New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2013

This gorgeous spread of farmland and handsome centuries-old buildings can't help but stimulate interest in the Shakers. The staff describes in simple, accessible terms, without dogma, this uniquely American phenomenon -- an experiment in social egalitarianism and utopianism founded by Ann Lee. The music demonstration was excellent, and the tour of the Brick House led by John was full of... More

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Kent
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013

The website promised much and delivered, an absolutely fantastic time. All the exhibits were well restored and self explanatory. Make time for the farm\wood trail, very pleasant. Had a tea and cookie from the cafe which was really good.

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