Description

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is Maine’s largest National Historic Landmark and the nation’s last active Shaker community. With 17 historic buildings and 1,800 acres of farm and forest, the Village welcomes thousands of visitors each year, ranging from spiritual and religious seekers to those seeking community to school groups and tourists. The Shakers offer them opportunities to deepen their understanding of Shaker belief, history and culture, including traditions of furniture design, architecture, agriculture, and social reform. With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Shaker Village has established a project to renovate its 1824 Herb House, envisioning the revitalized space as an interactive cultural center, a vibrant hub of a 200-year-old herb business, and “a sanctuary for fellowship, mindfulness, and personal growth, echoing the Shakers’ commitment to wellness and spirituality.” Luce funding will support the center’s efforts to reach diverse audiences through dynamic programming and strategic alliances with community partners, including further collaboration with local Indigenous communities.