Museum Staff

Enfield Shaker Museum is served by an energetic and talented staff that is committed to bringing Enfield Shaker history alive for families, students of all ages, and visitors from around the world.

Carolyn A. Smith, Acting Director director@shakermuseum.org

Appointed Acting Director in September 2022, Carolyn Smith was the founding director of Enfield Shaker Museum (then known as the Museum at Lower Shaker Village) in 1986. She joined the furniture manufacturer Shaker Workshops in 1994 and retired in 2019. Carolyn has been a board member and volunteer at Enfield Shaker Museum for many years. She received her B.S. in Textiles from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Westchester (PA) State University.

Jennifer French, Hospitality Coordinator events@shakermuseum.org

Jennifer (Jenn) French became a staff member at the Museum in February 2025.

Caroline Grip, Education Coordinator

Caroline joined the Enfield Shaker Museum in 2026. She has been teaching in some capacity since 2015 with experience in a classroom, as a tutor, and as an educator in the National Parks and in various historical homes and museums. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University where she focused on history and non-traditional classroom education.

Renata D. Baptista, Garden Coordinator

Renata (she/her) oversees the museum’s gardens, supports community gardeners and volunteers, and helps connect visitors with the Shakers’ rich agricultural heritage. She joined the museum in June 2026 after careers in higher education administration and organic farming, bringing together her passions for gardening, education, and community engagement.

Renata and is currently an Extension Master Gardener (EMG) intern through the University of Vermont. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and master’s degrees from The Ohio State University. Her favorite part of the job is helping people connect with the museum’s gardens as living spaces for learning, community, and stewardship.

Michael J. O’Connor, Curator curatorial@shakermuseum.org

Michael O’Connor has been associated with Enfield Shaker Museum since 1991. He has served as a demonstrating craftsperson as a cooper, interpreter, education and facilities manager, assistant director, and interim director on three different occasions. His current focus is cataloging the Museum’s growing collection of Enfield Shaker artifacts. Before coming to Enfield Shaker Museum, Michael was on the staff at Old Sturbridge Village. He is a graduate of the the University of Vermont.

Amanda Pero, Bookkeeper