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All 12 Pittsfield Attractions »

Hancock Shaker Village

Rt 20, Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-443-0188
Ranked #2 of 8 attractions in Pittsfield
4.5 of 5 stars 49 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Farms
Description: An outdoor history museum that preserves and interprets the life of the Shaker community.
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49 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    30
    11
    5
    2
    1
Date Rating
Georgia
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My husband and I enjoyed spending about three hours here, even on a very damp morning in mid-May. We arrived at 10:00 am and strolled around to see everything right away. The only buildings we missed were the ones across the highway since they are open only after Memorial Day. We learned about the Shaker culture and enjoyed talking with... More

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Wellesley, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2012

The kids weren't thrilled with the idea, but we don't always take them to the places THEY want to go, do we? The history of these simple-living people is extremely well preserved here, gently available by the historians and docents stationed throughout. There were plenty of spaces to run about and explore on our own, no guided tours confining little... More

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usa
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

It's a beautifully maintained and operating farm with historically preserved buildings. This immaculate, innovative, and communal Shaker village is very interesting and a pleasure to experience. We were also impressed at the high quality products for sale in the museum's gift shop. The well crafted Shaker inspired oval boxes are beautiful! We bought two of them. More

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Nauwigewauk
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

My husband, two daughters age 10 and 12 and i just returned from a trip to Hancock Massachusetts and while there we visited the Hancock Shaker Village. We had a blast! The month of April is a month that the village has baby animals which are a hands on experience. We thouroughly enjoyed this experience. There was a man by... More

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Lenox, Massachusetts
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

Great place to bring the grandchildren, children. Check their calendar for the current happenings. More

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Brooklyn, NY
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

A real working farm museum, with an authenticity that may be lacking at more phony "Pilgrim-Plantation" style attractions. Time stands still at the Hancock Shaker Village, as if their community upped and left for Maine last year, instead of in 1960. The museum provides a window into a simple, monastic lifestyle, impossible to imagine for our consumer-culture kids. Volunteers run... More

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New York
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

This is a great place to learn about the Shackers, see their settlement and animals. Early Spring, they feature baby animals and the "Behind the Scene " tour that is well worth it. This year it included a hay ride, additional baby animals and access to the knowledgable Agricultural Director. Also on site is a cafe and SoCo ice cream... More

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ct
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2012

A simplier life. Beautiful grounds. Loved the buildings. More

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ghent, new york
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 1, 2012

Whatever happen here is so far removed from the mainstream. More attention could be given to promote facility. More

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Pittsfield, Massachusetts
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 3, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Hancock Shaker Village gives a true picture of what the Shakers Everday Life was like. Plus it's a perfect place to bring children especially in the springtime to see all the animals they have and actually get to enjoy them hands- on! If in the Bershires I definatley reccomend. More

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