The First Shaker Settlement in America, Watervliet, was founded by a woman outside Albany in 1776. Today, one active community remains in Maine, making the Shaker movement the longest running communal society in American history.  Communalism, equality, and hard work are among the central spiritual and moral values integral to the Shaker faith - but what did that actually look like at the Watervliet settlement in the 19th century? Join us for an introduction to Shaker history, and an exploration of their imperfect, yet radical vision of Utopia.

Johanna Batman has worked in the fields of museum education and administration for fifteen years, with experience at both historic sites and science museums. She holds a MA in Museum Studies and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked with diverse audiences in both rural and urban communities and her professional interests include accessibility and community engagement strategies for museums.She currently serves as the Executive Director of Shaker Heritage Society in Albany, NY.

Photo Credit: Twelve Shakers by James Irving, Collection of the New York State Museum

The museum is open for regular hours from 1-4pm that day. Come by early and visit the exhibits before the program.

Zoom link available from hssmsherwood@gmail.com the week before the program.