We enjoyed walking the grounds and reading the signs in the herb garden of whatthe different herbs were used for( I wished I brought a pen n paper to write them down). If you go it’s probably best tonite when they’ll havespeakers or demonstrations there of course things are different everywhere with Covid and though It’s great to have volunteers there, the volunteers could’ve done a better job forthe most part. When I was there 4/5/2022 there was a school bus tour of elementary children and several parents with their children. Twovolunteers in the round barn were standing at a distance talking to one another not paying attention to visitors, while young children were throwing hay in the calves. water bucket. Another volunteer “Roger” followed an older couple and then proceeded to take his mask off and talk a long time.The couple wanted to continue their tour of what they came for but didn’t want to be rude. He seemed to be using his volunteer position to “visit”.not to do what he was supposed to be doing. There was no one in the barn past the round barn one child about 10 yrs old kept yelling moo while running scaring a calf. I think volunteers should always be respectful not talking visitors ears off and always wearing masks and helping to keep children visitors in control. I feel they could do so much more, sell canned chairs baskets. Have the gift shop only sell items related to the past shakers fresh homemade breads and pies and jams canning and baskets etc gift shop was too China oriented little things you could buy anywheres. Have wood artists make children’s toys orcarvingss there’s so much more they could do.Idgo again to keep the place around andencourage others to keep going it’s important. If you can’t afford the price call area libraries I know hinsdale hada pass you can check out which allows four to go free.

What a fascinating place to visit! My husband and I went there for the first time and were very impressed by this living museum, the architecture, rolling acreage it was on, and the tremendous sense of history. We did not know much about the Shakers upon arrival, but had learned a great deal upon departing! The round stone barn was incredible, and we also took the one mile walk around the outskirts of the complex. It was very though-provoking to walk this trail, and through the woods that the Shakers had once also walked. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. It is on a very large parcel of land, so can handle alot of people. We went mid day in July, and no problem with too many people. They also had a wonderful Cafe on the grounds which offered excellent bistro style food including homemade pies!! I would recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes so you can get off the beaten path if you want and explore this tribute to the past!

We visited the Hancock Shaker Village yesterday and it was a great visit. It is well worth going to and you will see a bit of history you would not otherwise see or probably hear much about. The Shaker's are an unusual religious group that come as close to a cloistered lifestyle for any Protestant group as you are likely to find. They will remind one of the Benedictines (Roman Catholic) who practiced a celibate, quiet religious lifestyle of hard work, piety, and service to one's community. There are many old buildings on the property and one can see what the living quarters, meeting rooms, and barns looked like. You will also find the tour guides there to be very helpful and they will provide excellent insights as well. If you would like to get a view of New England's life style, it's well worth it. The cost is $18 per person for seniors, a bit more for others.