Whether or not you know much about the Shakers, you've probably heard the words of the Shaker hymn: "'Tis a gift to be simple." Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine, is home to the last active Shaker community, and a visit will allow you to appreciate the Shaker ideals of self-sufficiency and simplicity.
I took these pictures of Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village on an early autumn day in 2006, and I hope they will provide you with a glimpse of the Shaker way of life. As of 2009, there are only three remaining members of the Sabbathday Lake community, and with their devotion to celibacy and inability to attract many modern recruits, the Shakers are an endangered sect.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village and its museum and store are open to the public Monday through Saturday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The 1,800-acre complex is located just off Route 26 in western Maine.
Images 1-10 of 10
- Welcome to Sabbathday Lake Shaker VillagePicture of Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine.
- An Early Autumn VisitEarly Autumn Day at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine.
- Working the LandThe Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is located on 1,800 acres in western Maine.
- Shaker DwellingThis brick building serves as the living quarters for three remaining Shakers at Sabbathday Lake.
- Shaker StoreThe Shaker Store at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine, is open to the public.
- Shaker Antiques and Handcrafted ProductsInside the Shaker Store, you'll find items handcrafted by the remaining Shakers and Shaker antiques.
- Tour the VillageGuided tours of the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village are available. The Village also has a museum.
- Ancient BreedPicture of Highland cattle at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine.
- Communal in Life and DeathA stone wall surrounds the Shaker Cemetery.
- An Endangered SectSabbathday Lake Shaker Village cemetery photo.
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- Text Index