Unleashing the Shaker Story: A Glimpse into the Redesigned Shaker Museum
Artifact-Focused Institution Spotlight: Shaker Museum
Stepping into the world of the Shakers just got a whole lot easier! The Shaker Museum, famed for its splendid collection of Shaker furniture, objects, and archival materials, is breaking new ground in Chatham, NY. Embark on an exciting journey that transports you back to the days of the Shaker sect, right in the heart of the Hudson Valley village.
Due for completion in 2023, the $18 million structure will invite you to immerse yourself fully in the captivating lifestyle of the Shakers, who, long recognized as the religious and production leaders of their time, chose to reshape their world according to their beliefs.
Until now, the vast and diverse Shaker collection, tucked away in storage, has been largely inaccessible to the public for over a decade. However, fear not! You can still catch a sneak peek of the collection online at https://www.shakermuseum.us/collection.
June 2024 marked a significant milestone, with the museum opening a new library, archives, and administrative facility at 29 Jones Avenue, Chatham, NY. This development offers a tantalizing taste of the thrilling exhibits yet to come, as the museum's permanent home evolves at 5 Austerlitz Street, under construction as you read this.
Embarking on an Educator's Journey
The Shaker Museum seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Shaker material culture, weaving these extraordinary creations into a discussion of Shaker values and beliefs. By action and example, the museum strives to ignite a spark within us all, inspiring us to seek creative solutions to social, economic, environmental, and spiritual challenges we grapple with today.
The Visionary: John Stanton Williams
The story of the Shaker Museum began with John Stanton Williams, a visionary collector who understood the historical importance of the Shakers as their numbers dwindled. Williams' affinity for Shakerism and his rare talent for forming meaningful relationships with the Shakers established him as the guardian of their legacy, helping to preserve precious insights into their way of life.
Cultivating the Collection
Among the museum's early benefactresses was Sister Emma J. Neale, who played an instrumental role in the museum's growth. Sister Emma's unwavering faith in Williams' mission helped the museum acquire a diverse array of Shaker objects, formidable tools, and treasured relics, all of which would eventually be housed in the museum's burgeoning collection.
As the museum's influence grew, Williams' relationships with members of the Shaker communities expanded, earning him the trust and respect of many sisters and elders. From this enduring friendship, the museum was able to secure a rich and fascinating tapestry of artifacts for posterity.
Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments at the Shaker Museum, and prepare to be captivated by the intricacies of Shaker life when the museum's permanent home opens its doors to the public in 2025! To delve deeper, head on over to shakermuseum.us.
[Inherited from the past, Tailored for the future]
The Shaker Museum is supported by the research and collections of the New York State Museum, as well as the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
As part of their ongoing mission, the Shaker Museum also invites visitors to explore various aspects of Shaker lifestyle, delving into fashion-and-beauty practices, home-and-garden designs, and travel preferences of this remarkable society.
Following the grand opening of the museum's permanent home in 2025, a unique fusion of style and substance will be on display, blending the timeless Shaker aesthetic with contemporary fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and travel trends that echo the sect's unwavering pursuit of simplicity, utility, and functionality.
