UPPER HUDSON
Shaker Museum (Mount Lebanon)
202 Shaker Road New Lebanon, NY 12125
Phone: (518) 794-9100 Email: [email protected]
Hours: The grounds and trails at the Historic Mount Lebanon Site are free and open to the public year-round. The museum's Administrative Campus and Research Library are located on the orginial site of the Shaker Museum in Old Chatham, NY. It is open by appointment. The museum is also building a twenty-first century museum to showcase their collection.
Historical Description:
Escaping religious persecution in England, Ann Lee moved to America in 1774. Founded by Ann Lee, The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing was given the derisive name of the Shaker movement by people who saw the Shakers twist and tremble to rid themselves of sins and evil. Strongly believing in celibacy, communal life and confession of sin, the Shakers separated themselves from society. Mother Ann Lee was the central figure in the movement and believed to be the second coming of Christ’s spirit. Depending completely on conversion, the Shaker movement grew to an estimated 4,000 – 5,000 people in the mid-19th century.
The Site:
The Shaker Museum offers its visitors a look into Shaker life and culture. The museum features Shaker furniture, clothing, machinery, tools and art. The on-site library offers books and historic pictures of the Shakers.