The Shakers at Mount Lebanon led the largest and most successful utopian communal society in America for 160 years, from 1787 to 1947. From this central community developed the Shakers’ ideals of equality of labor, gender, and race, as well as communal property, freedom, and pacifism. From Mount Lebanon also grew the now famous Shaker aesthetic of simplicity, expressed in their objects, furniture, buildings, and village planning. The Village was divided into smaller "Family" groups (Church, Second, Center, North, East, South, and so on.), each with its own leadership, members, and commercial activities.
Mount Lebanon was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965, and was recognized by the World Monuments Fund in both 2004 and 2006 as one of the 100 most significant endangered historic sites in the world.
In 2004, the Museum became the owner and steward of the North Family site at Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, consisting of 11 remaining Shaker buildings on 91 acres, part of the Mount Lebanon Shaker Society National Historic Landmark district. The Museum’s efforts are underway to restore the site and relocate there. Toward that end, the facility in Old Chatham closed to regular visitors in 2009, and since 2011 the Museum has offered seasonal guided tours, programs and exhibitions at the North Family, Mount Lebanon and the surrounding area. The Museum is open at the North Family historic site from June to October. Admission to daily guided tours is $10, free for members at the Friend level or higher, and includes access to all exhibitions. Stand alone entry to exhibitions is by donation. Advance reservations are recommended for groups of 10 or more.
Local
Eat and Drink
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See and Do
- Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon New Lebanon (0.0 miles) - The Shakers at Mount Lebanon led the largest and most successful utopian communal society in America...
- Mass Audubon - Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries Lenox (6.6 miles) - Set amidst more than 1,000 lush acres in the Berkshires, Pleasant Valley’s varied trails wind thro...
- No. Six Depot Roastery + Cafe West Stockbridge (8.5 miles) - We are a family-owned coffee roastery and cafe, located in the oldest train station in the Berkshire...
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Shopping
- No. Six Depot Roastery + Cafe - West Stockbridge (8.5 miles) - We are a family-owned coffee roastery and cafe, located in the oldest train station in the Berkshire...
