Upper Valley Ringers Spring Concert
2024-05-10 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Upper Valley Ringers
Spring Concert
RINGING AROUND THE WORLD
Friday, May 10th
7:00 pm
Chosen Vale Performance Center
Ringing Around the World at the Upper Valley Ringers Spring Concert!
In this lively and varied program, the Upper Valley Ringers handbell ensemble takes us on an adventure through music from many of the world’s cultures.
You may be surprised to recognize some familiar songs – and intrigued to hear others that are familiar in other places.
Come enjoy this festive concert! Experience the magic of handbells played by accomplished and enthusiastic local musicians!
Plenty of free parking. Freewill offering to benefit Enfield Shaker Museum. Invite your family and friends to join you for this festive holiday event.
Doors will open at 6:00 pm. The Chosen Vale Performance Center is located at the former La Salette Shrine behind the Enfield Town Library (stone building). 410 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH.
Want to know more about the Upper Valley Ringers?
Upper Valley Ringers is a handbell choir of experienced local musicians who are dedicated to ringing and growing musically. They perform seasonally at community gatherings for the joy of sharing this unique art form.
Founded by Jane Sachs, the Upper Valley Ringers are co-directed by Jane, Jo Shute, and Joshua Brown. They are open to new members who are good musicians and can commit to regular rehearsals. For more information, contact jsachsnh@gmail.com.

Rooting Out Invasives with Henry Homeyer
2024-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Rooting Out Invasives with Henry Homeyer
Identifying and Managing Invasive Plant Species
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series
Saturday, May 4, 2024
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Learn about the world of invasive plant species in Rooting Out Invasives with Henry Homeyer. Topics include the impact of invasive plant species on ecosystems and effective strategies for their identification and management. This class is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to combat invasive plants and protect our local environments.
Workshop Highlights:
Understanding Invasive Plants: Explore the concept of invasive plant species and the threats they pose to the native ecosystems.
Identification Techniques: Gain practical skills in identifying common invasive plant species in your region.
Ecological Impact: Understand how invasive plants outcompete and displace native flora, affecting biodiversity.
Best Practices for Management: Explore effective strategies for managing invasive plants, including manual removal and herbicide application.
Q&A: Get answers to your questions about invasive plant identification, management strategies, and restoration from Henry Homeyer.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle invasive plant species.
Register now to secure your spot in this workshop, space is limited.
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series (see individual listings for details of other workshops in the series):
Backyard Organic Gardening
Saturday, March 9, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fruitful Harvest: A Home Garden Workshop on Growing Your Own Fruits
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Hands-on Pruning: Cultivating Healthy Gardens with Precision
Saturday, March 23, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cultivating Biodiversity: Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators
Saturday, May 4, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Rooting Out Invasives: Identifying and Managing Invasive Plant Species
Saturday, May 4, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and embark on the path to a greener tomorrow!
Sign up for this class only:
Museum Member – $35/person
Non-Member – $40/person
Sign up for the series of 5 workshops:
Museum Member – $150/person
Non-Member – $175/person
All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.
Want to know more about Henry Homeyer?
Henry Homeyer (The Gardening Guy) is a lifelong organic gardener living in Cornish, NH, where he has been planting flowers and trees since 1970. He is the author of four gardening books and has written a weekly gardening column for newspapers around New England for more than 24 years. He teaches organic gardening workshops throughout New England and is a regular monthly commentator on Vermont Public Radio.

Cultivating Biodiversity with Henry Homeyer
2024-05-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Cultivating Biodiversity with Henry Homeyer
Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cultivating Biodiversity with Henry Homeyer will discuss the world of native plants and discover how they play a crucial role in supporting local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
Workshop Highlights:
Introduction to Native Plants: Learn the importance of native plants in maintaining ecological balance. Understand the unique characteristics and benefits of gardening with native plant species.
Pollinator Ecology: Explore the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystem. Gain insights into the specific needs and preferences of pollinators.
Design a Pollinator-friendly Garden: Learn practical tips on planning and designing a garden that creates a habitat that attracts and sustains diverse pollinator species.
Q&A: Have your specific questions answered by Henry Homeyer.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting your gardening journey, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical knowledge to transform your garden into a haven for pollinators. Join us in fostering biodiversity and creating a sustainable environment for future generations.
Space is limited, register now to secure your spot in this workshop!
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series (see individual listings for details of other workshops in the series):
Backyard Organic Gardening
Saturday, March 9, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fruitful Harvest: A Home Garden Workshop on Growing Your Own Fruits
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Hands-on Pruning: Cultivating Healthy Gardens with Precision
Saturday, March 23, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cultivating Biodiversity: Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators
Saturday, May 4, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Rooting Out Invasives: Identifying and Managing Invasive Plant Species
Saturday, May 4, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Class is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required.
Sign up for this class only:
Museum Member – $35/person
Non-Member – $40/person
Sign up for the series of 5 workshops:
Museum Member – $150/person
Non-Member – $175/person
All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.
Want to know more about Henry Homeyer?
Henry Homeyer (The Gardening Guy) is a lifelong organic gardener living in Cornish, NH, where he has been planting flowers and trees since 1970. He is the author of four gardening books and has written a weekly gardening column for newspapers around New England for more than 24 years. He teaches organic gardening workshops throughout New England and is a regular monthly commentator on Vermont Public Radio.

Enfield Shaker Supper Club April 2024
2024-04-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Enfield Shaker Supper Club April 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 6:00 pm
Carefully curated and prepared dinner experiences
Shaker Inspired.
Drink Pairings.
Surprise Extras.
Good Company.
More than just a dinner party!
Enfield Shaker Museum is pleased to bring you traditional favorites and delicious seasonal culinary creations carefully prepared by Chef Tony Rinella and served in the dining room of the Great Stone Dwelling.
We are looking forward to another Enfield Shaker Supper Club feast, this one features scrumptious homemade meatloaf and twice baked potatoes. Plan now to get some friends together and join us for this exceptional meal.
ENFIELD SHAKER SUPPER CLUB APRIL 2024 MENU:
Homemade Meatloaf
Twice Baked Potatoes
Garlicky Green Beans
Lemon Curd Strawberry Shortcake Topped with Whipped Cream
Beer, wine, or cider.
A bar with assorted beer, wine, and cider will be available for purchase as well.
Museum Members – $45/per person
Non-Members – $50/per person
Reservations required. Please bring your email confirmation with you to the event.
Want to know more about Chef Tony Rinella?
Chef Tony Rinella received his culinary training from the United States Army. Once he completed his military training, Tony returned to the Upper Valley of New Hampshire. After several years of learning from some talented and seasoned chefs, Tony was given an opportunity to run his own kitchen. At the tender age of 23, he managed both Firestones in Quechee, VT and Bentley’s in Woodstock, VT. Eventually he moved to Hingham, MA and joined the team at Eat Well, LLC, a restaurant group located on the South Shore.
Upon returning to the Upper Valley, Tony accepted a position at The Lyme Inn in Lyme, NH, completely rebuilding their tavern and greatly increasing its success. He took the number of meals served from an average of seven per evening to regularly serving 250 people on a weekend evening.
Tony has come full circle in his career and has returned to his roots! After a nearly four year stint as the Head Chef at The Public House in Quechee, VT, and time as Executive Chef at Dr. Coburn’s Tonic in Woodstock, VT, he can now be found at The Baited Hook in Lebanon, NH.
Tony lives in Enfield, New Hampshire with his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters, Charlotte Anne and Isla Grace.

Garden Volunteer Information Coffee
2024-04-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Enfield Shaker Museum
Garden Volunteer Information Coffee
Saturday, April 27
10:00 am – Great Stone Dwelling
11:00 am – Herb Garden Tour
Are you passionate about history, nature, and community involvement? If so, we invite you to join us for an exciting opportunity to become a part of the Enfield Shaker Museum Village Gardeners Volunteer Program.
At the Enfield Shaker Museum, we believe in preserving history while nurturing nature. Our gardens are not just beautiful spaces but living testaments to the Shaker heritage and their sustainable farming practices. As we gear up for the upcoming gardening season, we’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers like you to help us tend to these historic grounds.
To learn more about our Village Garden Volunteer Program and how you can get involved, we’re hosting an Information Coffee and Garden Tour event. This informal gathering will provide you with insights into the history of the Shakers, our approach to gardening, and the various ways you can contribute your time and talents.
During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Explore the early spring herb gardens of the Enfield Shaker Museum.
Meet our dedicated staff and current volunteers.
Learn about the history and significance of the Shaker gardening tradition.
Discover how you can play a vital role in preserving this heritage through volunteer work.
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and light refreshments as we chat and get to know one another.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious about meeting new friends and lending a helping hand, we welcome individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Please let us know that you are coming by registering below.
We look forward to sharing our love for herb gardening and history with you at the Enfield Shaker Museum. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in preserving this treasured garden for all to enjoy.
Hope to see you there,
Susan Quinlan
Garden Coordinator
Enfield Shaker Museum

Growing Your Own Fruit with Henry Homeyer
2024-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Due to the weather predictions for Saturday, March 23rd this workshop has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 30th at 10:00 am. Registered participants will automatically be registered for the rescheduled workshop. If you are preregistered and unable to attend on the 30th please email us at events@shakermuseum.org.

Growing Your Own Fruit with Henry Homeyer
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series
Saturday, March 30, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00pm
Fruitful Harvest: A Home Garden Workshop on Growing Your Own Fruit with Henry Homeyer. Learn the joys of cultivating your own homegrown fruit and discover the secrets to successfully growing a variety of delicious fruit right in your backyard.
Workshop Highlights:
Introduction to Home Fruit Gardening: Understand the fundamentals and explore the benefits of growing fruit at home.
Soil Preparation and Planting Techniques: Learn about the importance of soil health and composition for successful fruit cultivation. Discover proper planting techniques, including spacing, depth, and the use of organic amendments.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance: Understand the seasonal needs of different fruit varieties. From pruning and fertilizing to disease prevention, grasp the essentials of year-round care to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Dealing with Common Challenges: Tackle common issues like pests, diseases, and weather-related challenges with expert advice.
Q&A: Henry Homeyer will address your questions, providing valuable tis and troubleshooting advice.
By the end of “Fruitful Harvest,” you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to grow a diverse range of fruits in your home garden.
Limited spots are available, so secure your spot now for a fruitful and rewarding experience.
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series (see individual listings for details of other workshops in the series):
Backyard Organic Gardening
Saturday, March 9, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fruitful Harvest: A Home Garden Workshop on Growing Your Own Fruits
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Hands-on Pruning: Cultivating Healthy Gardens with Precision
Saturday, March 23, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cultivating Biodiversity: Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators
Saturday, April 13, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Rooting Out Invasives: Identifying and Managing Invasive Plant Species
Saturday, April 13, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Class is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required.
Sign up for this class only:
Museum Member – $35/person
Non-Member – $40/person
Sign up for the series of 5 workshops:
Museum Member – $150/person
Non-Member – $175/person
All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.
Want to know more about Henry Homeyer?
Henry Homeyer (The Gardening Guy) is a lifelong organic gardener living in Cornish, NH, where he has been planting flowers and trees since 1970. He is the author of four gardening books and has written a weekly gardening column for newspapers around New England for more than 24 years. He teaches organic gardening workshops throughout New England and is a regular monthly commentator on Vermont Public Radio.

Backyard Organic Gardening with Henry Homeyer
2024-03-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Backyard Organic Gardening with Henry Homeyer
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series
Saturday, March 9, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to transform your outdoor space into a thriving oasis of greenery when you attend Backyard Organic Gardening with Henry Homeyer, the first in our five part series Cultivating Green Spaces. Seasoned gardening expert, Henry Homeyer, will guide you through the art and science of building a vibrant 10 ft. x 12 ft backyard garden.
Workshop Highlights:
Introduction to Backyard Organic Gardening: Learn the basics of organic backyard gardening including understanding soil.
Planning Your Garden: Learn to design a garden layout that maximizes space and caters to your preferences and needs.
Plant Selection and Care: Discover the best suited plants for your climate, still type, and available space. Understand the fundamentals of plant care, including watering, fertilizing, and pest control.
Q&A: Have your garden questions answered by our experienced instructor.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to cultivate and maintain a thriving backyard garden. Join us in fostering a connection with nature and creating a greener, more sustainable living space for you and your family.
Cultivating Green Spaces Gardening Series (see individual listings for details of other workshops in the series):
Backyard Organic Gardening
Saturday, March 9, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fruitful Harvest: A Home Garden Workshop on Growing Your Own Fruits
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Hands-on Pruning: Cultivating Healthy Gardens with Precision
Saturday, March 23, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cultivating Biodiversity: Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators
Saturday, April 13, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Rooting Out Invasives: Identifying and Managing Invasive Plant Species
Saturday, April 13, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and embark on the path to a greener tomorrow!
Sign up for this class only:
Museum Member – $35/person
Non-Member – $40/person
Sign up for the series of 5 workshops:
Museum Member – $150/person
Non-Member – $175/person
All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.
Want to know more about Henry Homeyer?
Henry Homeyer (The Gardening Guy) is a lifelong organic gardener living in Cornish, NH, where he has been planting flowers and trees since 1970. He is the author of four gardening books and has written a weekly gardening column for newspapers around New England for more than 24 years. He teaches organic gardening workshops throughout New England and is a regular monthly commentator on Vermont Public Radio.

Enfield Shaker Supper Club & Piano Bar Show
2024-02-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Enfield Shaker Supper Club & Piano Bar Show
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Dinner – 6:00 pm
Piano Bar Show – 7:30 pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening of culinary delights and live entertainment at the Enfield Shaker Supper Club & Piano Bar Show on Saturday, February 24th! We’ve tweaked February’s Supper Club in celebration of the “month of love” and added live entertainment!
Dinner begins at 6:00 pm sharp in the dining room of the Great Stone Dwelling. This month’s meal prepared by Chef Tony Rinella, features mouthwatering braised short ribs, angry fingerling potatoes with vegetables, and a decadent flourless chocolate cake with peppermint ice cream for dessert. As always, a complimentary adult beverage is included in the price of dinner. A bar with assorted beer, wine, and cider will be available for purchase as well.
After dinner, guests will move upstairs to the meeting room to enjoy The Piano Bar Show featuring the talented Tim Kelly. Tim’s Piano Bar Show is a fast paced presentation that will include audience interaction, piano and vocal features, comedy, vocal impressions, and even some crowd sing-a-longs. Tim Kelly was Holland America’s top-rated piano bar entertainer for many years, he will bring that unique form of entertainment to Enfield Shaker Museum on February 24th. The show will feature popular favorites like “Piano Man”, Broadway hits from Phantom and Les Mis, vocal impressions, oldies rock and roll, jazz-piano vocal selections and classics from the Great American Songbook.
Gather a group of friends and come for the fun!
Guests may choose to join us for both the dinner and show or choose to come to one or the other.
Dinner and Show (6:00 – 9:00 pm):
Museum Members – $70/person Non-Members – $75/person
Dinner only (6:00 – 7:30 pm):
Museum Members – $45/person Non-Members – $50/person
Show only (7:30 – 9:00 pm):
Museum Members – $25/person Non-Members – $30/person
Advance registration is required.
All proceeds from this evenings activities go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.

Heart Shaped Wreath Making
2024-02-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Heart Shaped Wreath Making
Sunday, February 11, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Come feel the love in our Heart Shaped Wreath Making Workshop, as you indulge your creativity just in time for Valentine’s Day. Susan Quinlan, Museum Garden Coordinator will guide you through the process of designing and constructing a 14 inch natural everlasting, dried floral heart wreath.
We will gather in the Dining Room of the Great Stone Dwelling for light refreshment and community connections. You will have a chance to finish your masterpiece and take home a unique product, the perfect Valentine’s gift for yourself or a loved one.
All materials will be supplied, but please bring your own scissors and clippers.
Class is limited to 10 participants. Advance registration is required.
Museum members – $60/person
Non-members – $68/person
All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.
Want to know more about Susan Quinlan?
Susan Quinlan is a retire registered nurse who has been creating and caring for gardens for forty-nine years. She is a self taught and dedicated organic gardener living in Canaan, NH. She grows flowers, herbs, vegetables, perennials, and shrubs on a northern slope. Susan creates wreaths for all seasons and gives hands-on workshops in wildcrafting. She is currently the Garden Coordinator at Enfield Shaker Museum. Her passion is to create connections between people and plants.

Winter Yoga Retreat & Valentine's Celebration
2024-02-10 10:30 - 16:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Winter Yoga Retreat & Valentine’s Celebration
Saturday, February 10, 2024
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Find peace and serenity in the midst of winter. Join us at the Winter Yoga Retreat & Valentine’s Celebration, for a slow adventure to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Chosen Vale. Step into the past for a day of restoration and nourishment in the historic Great Stone Dwelling. A comfortable and hospitable space where folks can come to slow down, feel safe, and bond with friends.
The Winter Retreat includes:

A one-hour Gentle Yoga Class led by Sonya Carter
Homemade soup, salad, and bread lunch served in the Dining Room of the Great Stone Dwelling
Two-hour afternoon workshop of your choosing:

– Restorative Yoga led by Sonya Carter in the Meeting Room of the Great Stone Dwelling, or
– Gourmet Chocolate Class led by Nan Munsey and Lisa Rinella in the kitchen of the Great Stone Dwelling. The class will begin with some luscious Aztec Hot Chocolate to prep your tastebuds for chocolate overload! Next, working in group of three, you will learn how to create Julia Child’s famous Reine de Saba aka Queen of Sheba chocolate cake. Finally, you will sample the fruits of your labor accompanied by a decadent chocolate sorbet you have made in an ice cream maker while the cake is baking. You will go home with recipe cards and an additional slice of cake

The day will come to a close with a late afternoon Valentine’s Champagne Tea complete with light appetizers and a grazing table.

Make a weekend of your visit with an overnight package! You will stay in the Great Stone Dwelling in one of our carefully appointed “Shaker Retiring Room.”
Advance registration is required. Afternoon classes are limited to 10 participants each and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Day Retreat Only – Museum Member – $95/person
Day Retreat Only – Non-member – $100/person
Overnight Package – Museum Member – $175/person
Overnight Package – Non-Member – $185/person
All proceeds from this program go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Want to know more about our instructors?
Sonya Carter has been teaching yoga since 2007. Her style of teaching has been influenced by yoga instructors from Hatha, Flow, Restorative, Kripalu and Iyengar traditions. She enjoys teaching yoga to students of all ages and abilities. She teaches children’s yoga, chair yoga, may yoga, restorative yoga, and aerial yoga (teaching yoga from the ground up into air!) When not teaching or going to yoga classes, she enjoys spending time with family and friends; swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, camping, and cross country skiing.
Nan Munsey was one of the founding partners of Duck Soup Catering, where she worked for many years before her “retirement”. Most recently, Nan has been the “test chef” and “recipe adjuster” for Enfield Shaker Museum’s Shaker Recipes section of the website. Be sure to check out the many delicious recipes she has worked on for us.

Celebrating New Hampshire's Shakers
2024-02-03 14:00 - 16:00 | NH
Celebrating New Hampshire’s Shakers
“No Foolish Play”
Saturday, February 3, 2024
2:00 pm
New Hampshire Historical Society
30 Park St, Concord, NH
In 1774 a band of eight religious refugees arrived in New York from Manchester, England. Their leader, Mother Ann Lee, preached a radical new religion, derisively called “Shakerism.” Over the next 20 years converts to this new faith stablished 19 Shaker communities in the East and Midwest, including two vibrant Shaker villages at Canterbury and Enfield, New Hampshire. Known for their simple yet elegant style of living, the Shakers also made racial and gender equality, stewardship of resources, honesty in business, celibacy, and pacifism hallmarks of their communal life.
“No Foolish Play”: Celebrating New Hampshire’s Shakers commemorates the anniversary of the Shakers’ arrival in America and explores the sect’s legacy with a talk by Shaker scholar and musician Mary Ann Haagen, with a performance of Shaker music by the Canterbury Singers under the direction of Kathryn Lundahl. Admission is free for New Hampshire Historical Society members; $7 for nonmembers. No registration required.
Want to know more about Mary Ann Haagen?

Mary Ann Haagen is a long-time independent Shaker scholar whose research focuses on the Enfield, New Hampshire Shaker Society. She has been active in the work of the Enfield Shaker Museum since 1987 and is the founding director of the Enfield Shaker Singers. In 2012, Mary Ann compiled and edited The Collected Writings of Henry Cummings. Currently, she is also a visiting scholar in the Music Department at Dartmouth College.

Shaker-Inspired Winter Solstice Dinner
2023-12-21 18:00 - 20:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Shaker-Inspired Winter Solstice Dinner
December 21, 2023 6:00 pm
Great Stone Dwelling

Celebrate the beginning of the winter season, and the shortest day of the year with a Shaker-inspired Winter Solstice Dinner lovingly prepared by Chef Tony Rinella.
Gather and dine with us in the historic Great Stone Dwelling Dining Room on Thursday, December 21st at 6:00 pm as we acknowledge nature’s ever-changing cycles, connect as a community, and revel in the peace and magic of the Christmas season.
The evening will begin in the Shaker Meeting Room with appetizers and a complimentary drink ticket. Live music by Tim Kelly and a Festival of Trees. Enjoy a display of beautifully decorated table top trees designed and decorated by local businesses and individuals. “Vote” for your favorite trees with raffle tickets, and be part of the fun as we draw the winning tickets and award the trees.
The three-course meal includes:
Warm Brie, Dates, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Ciabatta Crostini
Honey-Brined Pork Loin with Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
White Chocolate Maple Cheesecake
A bar with assorted beer, wine, cider, and mixed drinks will be available for purchase.
We hope to see you there!
Advance reservations required.
Tickets: Museum Members – $45/person
Non-Members – $50/person

Christmas Cookie Workshop
2023-12-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Christmas Cookie Workshop
Thursday, December 14, 2023
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Our Christmas Cookie Workshop is here to satisfy your sweet tooth and teach you the art of baking mouthwatering cookies. Learn baking techniques for the best Christmas cookies with Carolyn Freese and Nan Munsey. We will make Italian wedding cookies and elegantly decorated chocolate stars to take home and share with your family.
👩🏾‍🍳 What You’ll Learn:
🍪 Secrets to the perfect cookie dough.
🍪 Creative cookie recipes
🍪 Delicious cookie flavor variations.
🍪 Tips and tricks from our experienced baker.
This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned bakers. Whether you’re looking to impress your family and friends with your new baking skills or simply want to indulge your taste buds, this class is for you!
Advance registration is required. Class limited to 8 participants. Held in the kitchen of the historic Great Stone Dwelling.
Museum Members – $25/person
Non-museum Members $30/person

Community Moravian Star Making
2023-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Community Moravian Star Making
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
1 – 4 pm
Help us make paper Moravian Stars to give away at our Community Carol Sing (to be held on December 23rd). Retired art teacher, Tracy Smith will lead a Community Moravian Star Making event. Experienced star makers and beginners alike will employ the magical art of paper folding used to create the multi-pointed stars used in Moravian communities to mark the Advent season.
These 3-D stars are made from 4 identical paper strips, and the technique is a combination of folding and weaving. They can be strung on a garland, looped individually to make ornaments or gift tags, or stopped at the halfway point to make a paper bow. Requiring very few materials, these are a fun holiday activity and are geometric magic!
When you have finished making your batch of stars, you can hang them just as they are or add the “dip and sparkle” step. Adding this wax dipping step was traditionally used to waterproof the folded star ornaments for decorating outdoors. Even if you don’t plan on hanging them outside, dipping your stars in wax will help preserve the ornaments to reuse for years to come.
All materials provided. Light refreshments will be served.
Event is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required.
Admission is free. Beginners are welcome.
Plenty of free parking. Class will be held in the Great Stone Dwelling.

Moravian Star Making Workshop
2023-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Moravian Star Making Workshop
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
1 – 4 pm
Join Artist and retired art teacher, Tracy Smith for a Moravian Star Making Workshop. Learn the magical art of paper folding used to create the multi-pointed stars used in Moravian communities to mark the Advent season.
These 3-D stars are made from 4 identical paper strips, and the technique is a combination of folding and weaving. They can be strung on a garland, looped individually to make ornaments or gift tags, or stopped at the halfway point to make a paper bow. Requiring very few materials, these are a fun holiday activity and are geometric magic!
When you have finished making your batch of stars, you can hang them just as they are or add the “dip and sparkle” step. Adding this wax dipping step was traditionally used to waterproof the folded star ornaments for decorating outdoors. Even if you don’t plan on hanging them outside, dipping your stars in wax will help preserve the ornaments to reuse for years to come.
All materials provided. Light refreshments will be served.
Class is limited to 12 participants. Advance registration is required.
Museum members – $15/person
Non-members – $20/person
Plenty of free parking. Class will be held in the Great Stone Dwelling.

Bell-Raising Community Event
2023-11-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Bell-Raising Community Event
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
About 10:00 am (Weather Permitting)
When the Great Stone Dwelling was built in 1837 a large bell was put in the belfry to call the Shakers to meals and other community wide activities. The first bell cracked and was replaced in 1848 by the bell that lives in the belfry today.
The belfry and the bell it housed were an audible and visible presence for miles around for the next 175 years, but it’s exposed position and the New Hampshire weather took its toll. In the spring of 2023 it was determined that the posts supporting the roof of the belfry had deteriorated to the point that replacement was the only alternative. Following several months of preparation, July 17 the day we had all been waiting for – crane day arrived. Working from a 125 foot man lift, the belfry was rigged for a 140 foot crane to lift it straight off the building. It was placed on scaffolding on the ground, the bell lifted off and stored away for the summer.
On Tuesday, November, 28th (weather permitting) the crane will be back at Enfield Shaker Museum to raise the bell and belfry to the rooftop.
In the spirit of barn raisings (the visually exciting highlight of barn building), you are invited to attend a Bell-Raising Community Event. Historically, the expectation arose that the community would create a festive family atmosphere around the laborious activity a barn raising required. Today with the help of cranes and modern hydraulic equipment the laborious part is significantly reduced but the potential for a festive community event still exists!
The crane will arrive about 8:30 am. At about 10:00 am the bell will be raised to the deck of the bell tower, followed by the belfry itself.
There is plenty of free parking (behind the Great Stone Dwelling) and we will have some chairs set-up in the side yard should you want to sit. Should the weather not cooperate we will post changes in the schedule on Facebook and in this listing on the website.
Come and bring your camera (phone) for some great photo opportunities.

2023 Annual Members Meeting
2023-11-05 13:30 - 15:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
2023 ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 1:30 PM
GREAT STONE DWELLING

Join us for the Enfield Shaker Museum 2023 Annual Members Meeting. The meeting will kick off with board and staff introductions followed by a special presentation by Mary Ann Haagen and Dick Dabrowski on the ENFIELD SHAKER NORTH FAMILY: THEN AND NOW. This will be followed by our annual business meeting which includes highlights of the past year, plans for the future, and the election of new Board members and officers.
Following the business meeting attendees are invited to tour the Trustee’s Office at the North Family.
The Annual Meeting is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
*All Museum Members receive a vote in the Museum’s governance during these proceedings*

Autumn Moon Wreath Workshop
2023-10-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Wreaths for All Seasons
Autumn Moon Wreath Workshop
Friday, October 6, 2023
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join Enfield Shaker Museum’s Garden Coordinator Susan Quinlan for our Autumn Moon Wreath Workshop. Enjoy hot cider together with friends for an afternoon in the historic Great Stone Dwelling. Explore your creativity as you wildcraft a lasting crescent moon wreath using lichen, moss, mushrooms and other natural materials found in the forests of New Hampshire. This Autumn Moon Wreath Workshop is the third in our series of Wreaths for All Seasons workshops. All materials will be supplied, but please bring your own scissors and clippers.
Class is limited to 10 participants. Advance registration is required.
Museum members – $70/person
Non-members – $75/person
Want to know more about Susan Quinlan?
Susan Quinlan is a retire registered nurse who has been creating and caring for gardens for forty-nine years. She is a self taught and dedicated organic gardener living in Canaan, NH. She grows flowers, herbs, vegetables, perennials, and shrubs on a northern slope. Susan creates wreaths for all seasons and gives hands-on workshops in wildcrafting. She is currently the Garden Coordinator at Enfield Shaker Museum. Her passion is to create connections between people and plants.

Pesto Making Class and Dinner
2023-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Pesto Making Class and Dinner
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Addicted to pesto? Join our Pesto Making Class and Dinner and you’ll discover the secrets of making the most delicious basil pesto from scratch, using traditional techniques. The class instructor Rosann Schwartz, grew up in a traditional Sicilian-American family. She spent her summers gathering fresh herbs and vegetables to make a wide variety of savory and sweet pesto sauces. She was fortunate to be able to learn from her “Nona” and “Zias” in Sicily how to grow and harvest local herbs, fruits, and nuts on the family pistachio/almond farm in southern Sicily.
Although most people in the US are only familiar with traditional Basil Pesto, Rosann will teach you how to craft delicious sauces from whatever herbs and nuts are on hand: basil, fennel fronds, parsley, tarragon, arugula, dandelion greens paired with pistachios, almonds, oranges, or lemons to make light fresh pasta sauces and condiments.
Once you are done in the kitchen with your culinary creativity, you will have a chance to savor the pesto sauces as you share a Pesto Pasta Dinner in the historic Shaker Dining Room of the Great Stone Dwelling.
Class size limited to 15. Advance registration required.
Museum Members – $45/person
Non-Members – $50/person

Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Flute Recital
2023-09-10 16:00 - 17:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Flute Recital
Sunday, September 10, 2023
4:00 pm
Enfield Shaker Museum
Featuring
Joshua Brown – Organist
Rebecca Carson Rogers – Flutist

The Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Flute Recital with Organist Joshua Brown and Flutist Rebecca Carson Rogers presenting a concert that includes organ works by Buxtehude, Franck, and Mendelssohn, and compositions for Flute and Organ, including a set of French pieces and works by Quantz and Libby Larsen.
Joshua is Music Director at the Norwich Congregational Church, Norwich, VT and Director of the Kendal Chorale, Hanover, NH. Rebecca Carson Rogers is an accomplished chamber music and orchestral flutist, conductor and teacher, who has recently resettled in the Upper Valley.

Reservations are not required. Plenty of free parking.
Suggested donation $15.00. All concert donations support the ongoing restoration of the historic Casavant Organ in Mary Keane Chapel.

Free Concert - Patrick Ross
2023-08-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Stone Mill Concert Series Finale
Patrick Ross
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Live music starts at 7 pm. Vending begins at 6 pm.

Join us outside the historic Stone Mill Building for a FREE concert with Patrick Ross!
“Vermont born, fifth-generation fiddle player, Patrick Ross won the Vermont-State Fiddle Championship at age fourteen. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and shared stages with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Paul McCartney. In 2012, he was invited to perform at both the Calvin Coolidge Theater in The Library of Congress and The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. He has had the pleasure of working with Christopher Lloyd in a recent production of, “Call Of The Wild 3D” and assisted in the scoring of the film. He now lives in Newbury, Vermont with his wife and daughter. He works and teaches in collaboration with the Vermont Folklife Center and has recently started an independent record label called Rock Farmer Records with the mission of producing, recording, and preserving Roots music. His solo concerts include a worldwide range of fiddle styles as well as songs he has penned with guitar, banjo, mandolin, and cello.”
Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy the last Stone Mill concert of the season.
Beer, hard cider, wine, soda, and snacks will be available to purchase during the concert. Wicked Awesome BBQ of White River Junction, VT will be on site with their food truck.
Live music will start at 7 pm. Vending will begin at 6 pm.
Rain or shine (we will move inside in case of rain.) Plenty of free parking.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Mary Keane Chapel Organ Recital
2023-08-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Mary Keane Chapel Organ Recital
Sunday, August 27, 2023
4:00 pm
Enfield Shaker Museum
Featuring
Henry Danaher – Organist

Henry Danaher’s solo recital will include works of Böellmann, Böely, Corrette, Franck, Vierne, and Widor.
Henry is Director of Music at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College and Dartmouth’s College Organist, Hanover, NH.
This concert is dedicated to the memory of Donna Butler who, with her husband George, filled Mary Keane Chapel with music over many summers, through their beloved Sunday afternoon Summer Organ recitals.
Reservations are not required. Plenty of free parking.
Suggested donation $15.00. All concert donations support the ongoing restoration of the historic Casavant Organ in Mary Keane Chapel.

Humanities to Go: NH's Agricultural Fairs
2023-08-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
NH’s Long Love-Hate
Relationship with
Agricultural Fairs
Sponsored by NH Humanities Council
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
7:00 pm

Enfield Shaker Museum is hosting Steve Taylor for a “Humanities to Go” presentation on New Hampshire’s Long Love-Hate Relationship with Agricultural Fairs.

The talk will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22. Made possible by a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council.

The first agricultural fair in North America was held in what is now Londonderry in 1722. It would become a wildly popular event lasting for generations until it was so dominated by gambling, flim-flam, and other “scandalous dimensions” that the legislature revoked its charter in 1850. But New Hampshire’s agricultural fairs have always had strong supporters and eventually the state came around to appropriating modest sums to help them succeed. Temperance groups and others would continue to attack the fairs on moral grounds and their close connection to horse racing was a chronic flashpoint. Taylor will discuss the ups and downs of NH’s agricultural fairs through the years and how public affection for rural traditions helps them survive in contemporary times.

This event is free and open to the public.
For more information call the Museum at (603) 632-4346 or email education@shakermuseum.org.
Meet Steve Taylor:
Steve Taylor is an independent scholar, farmer, journalist, and longtime public official. With his sons, he operates a dairy, maple syrup, and cheese making enterprise in Meriden Village. He has been a newspaper reporter and editor, and served for 25 years as New Hampshire’s commissioner of agriculture. Taylor was the founding executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council and is a lifelong student of the state’s rural culture.

Enfield Shaker Supper Club 8/20/2023
2023-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Enfield Shaker Supper Club
Carefully curated and prepared dinner experiences
Shaker Inspired.
Drink Pairings.
Surprise Extras.
Good Company.
More than just a dinner party!
Enfield Shaker Museum is pleased to bring you traditional favorites and delicious seasonal culinary creations carefully prepared by Chef Tony Rinella and served in the dining room of the Great Stone Dwelling.
We are looking forward to monthly Enfield Shaker Supper Club feasts, this one features scrumptious summer barbecue. Plan now to get some friends together and join us for one or more of these exceptional meals!
Sunday, August 20, 2023 – 7:00 pm
The three-course meal includes:
Roasted Chicken with Orange Rhubarb Sauce
Bacon Cornbread Stuffing
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Honey Peach Cream Tart with Homemade Whipped Cream
Beer, wine, or cider.
A bar with assorted beer, wine, and cider will be available for purchase as well.
Museum Members – $45/per person
Non-Members – $50/per person
Reservations required. Please bring your email confirmation with you to the event.
Want to know more about Chef Tony Rinella?
Chef Tony Rinella received his culinary training from the United States Army. Once he completed his military training, Tony returned to the Upper Valley of New Hampshire. After several years of learning from some talented and seasoned chefs, Tony was given an opportunity to run his own kitchen. At the tender age of 23, he managed both Firestones in Quechee, VT and Bentley’s in Woodstock, VT. Eventually he moved to Hingham, MA and joined the team at Eat Well, LLC, a restaurant group located on the South Shore.
Upon returning to the Upper Valley, Tony accepted a position at The Lyme Inn in Lyme, NH, completely rebuilding their tavern and greatly increasing its success. He took the number of meals served from an average of seven per evening to regularly serving 250 people on a weekend evening.
Tony has come full circle in his career and has returned to his roots! After a nearly four year stint as the Head Chef at The Public House in Quechee, VT, and time as Executive Chef at Dr. Coburn’s Tonic in Woodstock, VT, he can now be found at The Baited Hook in Lebanon, NH.
Tony lives in Enfield, New Hampshire with his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters, Charlotte Anne and Isla Grace.

Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Soprano Recital
2023-08-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Soprano Recital
Sunday, August 20, 2023
4:00 pm
Enfield Shaker Museum
Featuring
Jeffrey Cutts – Organist
Laine Cutts – Soprano

On August 20th at the Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Soprano Recital, Organist Jeffrey Cutts and Soprano Laine Cutts will present Francois Courperin’s organ mass Messe pour les Couvents, performed as it might have been heard in the 17th century, with traditional plainchant incipits.
Jeffrey is an organist and singer, currently serving as Minister of Music at the First Congregational Church, Nantucket, MA.

Laine is a vocalist and director of choral music at Cyrus Peirce Middle School, Nantucket, MA.
Reservations not required. Plenty of free parking.
Suggested donation $15.00. All concert donations support the ongoing restoration of the historic Casavant Organ in the Mary Keane Chapel.

Mary Keane Chapel Summer Choir Concert
2023-08-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Mary Keane Chapel Summer Choir Concert
Friday, August 18, 2023
7:30 pm
Enfield Shaker Museum

A Concert of Sacred Music for Organ and Choir
Laudes Organi:
Modern Music with Ancient Roots
Presented by
The Mary Keane Chapel Summer Choir
Mark Nelson, conductor
Henry Danaher, orgnist
Music by Zoltàn Kodàly, Arvo Pärt, Meredith Monk, Jonathan Dove, and Edvard Grieg
This concert is dedicated to Father John Sullivan Director of the La Salette Shrine in Enfield, NH
A reception Father John’s honor will be held in the Great Stone Dwelling following the concert.
Reservations not required. Plenty of free parking.
Suggested donation $15.00. All proceeds go to support the ongoing restoration of the historic Casavant Organ in Mary Keane Chapel.

Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Violin Recital
2023-08-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Violin Recital
Sunday, August 13, 2023
4:00 pm
Enfield Shaker Museum
Featuring
Gail Jennings – Organ
Colleen Jennings – Violin

The Mary Keane Chapel Organ and Violin Recital will feature Gail Jennings and Colleen Jennings presenting with J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations for Organ and Violin.
Gail has recently retired after 31 years as Organist at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This summer Gail and her violinist husband, Andy will present their 40th concert in the St. Gaudens Summer Concert Series.
Colleen was formerly Co-Artistic Director of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in Nelson, NH and second violinist in the Apple Hill String Quartet. She currently teaches violin at the University of Massachusetts and Smith College.
Gail writes, “During the dark days of the COVID pandemic, learning and arranging this monumental work for organ and violin became a joyful project.” In 1741 when the work was published, Bach wrote on the title page – “Composed for the refreshment of one’s spirit.”
Reservations not required. Plenty of free parking.
Suggested donation $15.00. All proceeds go to benefit the ongoing restoration of the historic Casavant Organ in Mary Keane Chapel.

"Presenting American Art Anew" - Talk & Dessert
2023-08-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Presenting American Art Anew
at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
‘Well done is better than well said’
Saturday, August 5, 2023
7:30 pm
Great Stone Dwelling – Meeting Room

Join us for a presentation by Alexandra A. Kirtley, Montgomery-Garvan Curator of American Decorative Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, “Presenting American Art Anew at the Philadelphia Museum of Art”.
In May 2021, the Philadelphia Museum of Art opened nearly 90,000 square feet of additional gallery spaces— the culmination of two decades of planning, design, and construction. As the first expansion and reinstallation since 1976, this so-called “Core Project” was completed in 2021 after four years of construction, and the newly reimagined spaces are the result of the renovation, reorganization, and interior expansion of the museum’s land-mark 1928 Frank Gehry building. The nine new galleries are painted in vibrant colors and emanate off a central spine with an enfilade, and collections have been reinstalled to tell a more authentic and inclusive history of the art—the artists and artisans who made it and the patrons who commissioned it. This presentation will explore the Core Project, highlighting the process by which curators choose what to display and, most importantly, how the new narratives evolved after close examination of the collections.
Dessert, coffee and tea will be served.
Museum Members – $10.00
Non-members – $15.00
Advance registration suggested.
Want to know more about Alexandra Kirtley?

Alexandra Alevizatos Kirtley (Philadelphia, PA) is the Montgomery-Garvan Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she began her tenure in 2001. At PMA, she has orchestrated major acquisitions and curated numerous exhibitions, notably the retrospective Colonial Philadelphia Porcelain: The Art of Bonnin & Morris (2008) and the groundbreaking Classical Splendor: Painted Furniture for a Grand Philadelphia House (2016, with conservator Peggy Olley). In May 2021, Kirtley was co-curator of the newly located, reinstalled, and reinterpreted galleries for early American art that opened to much fanfare and critical acclaim. Kirtley earned a A.B. from Hamilton College and an M.A. from the University of Delaware/Winter- thur Program in Early American Cultu

2023 Shaker Collectors Weekend
2023-08-05 13:00 - 2023-08-07 12:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
2023 Shaker Collectors Weekend
August 5-7, 2023
An engaging multi-day program designed to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of collecting Shaker furniture and objects. Featuring talks, interactive discussions, and behind-the-scenes experiences with Enfield Shaker Museum’s collection, 2023 Shaker Collectors Weekend is a rich opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn from experts on Shaker material culture and history.
The focus of the 2023 Collectors’ Weekend is Shaker Boxes, encompassing oval pantry boxes, seed boxes, and even boxes designed and built to live in! Through presentations, moderated conversations, and participatory experiences, attendees will delve into the history, significance, and connoisseurship of Shaker boxes, as well as strategies to conserve and collect these remarkable objects.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS of the 2023 Shaker Collectors Weekend
Master Class | Shaker Oval Boxes: What We Know & What We Don’t
Jerry V. Grant, Director of Collections and Research, Shaker Museum, Chatham, New York

This illustrated Master Class includes a history of the Shaker oval box industry and tips for identifying a box’s community of origin. During the presentation, Jerry will make an oval box with Elder Daniel Crosman (1810-1885).

Master Class | Wood Movement & Solid Wood Construction
Christian H. Becksvoort, woodworker, author, restorer, and curmudgeon, New Gloucester, Maine
Basic wood tech, the joys of quarter-sawn wood, smart case construction, why moldings come loose, why door panels shrink or crack, and why antiques survived.
Material + Meaning Dialogue | Shaker Color
Part 1 – Technical Color
Brece Honeycutt, visual artist and Winterthur Maker-Creator Fellow

Historically, the Shakers lived in a prismatic world, painting their objects and buildings with “adorning and beauteous colors,” as noted by Elder Calvin Green. Honeycutt will discuss both the temporal and the spiritual uses of color, concentrating on two ‘new pigments’ Prussian Blue and Chrome Yellow.

Part 2 – TBA
Erika Sanchez Goodwillie, historic paint specialist
Details to follow.
Material + Meaning Dialogue | Shaker Seeds
Shaker Seed Industry: From the Ground to the Road
Sharon Duane Koomler, independent researcher and curator, Chatham, New York
The Shakers’ seed industry was not an accident. It was an intentional, cultivated, and often negotiated industry that produced and distributed quality garden seed throughout much of the eastern United States. Trade routes were established, sometimes violated – even among Shakers – and ultimately arranged to the best outcome for customers and Shakers alike.
Shaker Seed Boxes: Sowing the Seeds of an Important Industry
Tom Queen, purveyor of American antiques, especially Shaker Design, curator of museum exhibitions, Columbus, Ohio
The Shakers were among the first to package garden seeds for sale in small paper envelopes, which were sent out to consigning merchants in lidded wooden boxes emblazoned with stenciled or printed paper labels. Drawing from a range of ephemera from the marketing and distribution of Shaker seeds, this talk explores the way seed boxes played an important role in one of the longest-lasting, most profitable, and wide-reaching Shaker industries.

Presentation | ‘Well done is better than well said’: Presenting American Art Anew at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Alexandra A. Kirtley, Montgomery-Garvan Curator of American Decorative Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In May 2021, the Philadelphia Museum of Art opened nearly 90,000 square feet of additional gallery spaces—the culmination of two decades of planning, design, and construction. As the first expansion and reinstallation since 1976, this so-called “Core Project” was completed in 2021 after four years of construction, and the newly reimagined spaces are the result of the renovation, reorganization, and interior expansion of the museum’s landmark 1928 Frank Gehry building. The nine new galleries are painted in vibrant colors and emanate off a central spine with an enfilade, and museum collections have been reinstalled to tell a more authentic and inclusive history of the art—the artists and artisans who made it and the patrons who commissioned it. This presentation will explore the Core Project, highlighting the process by which curators choose what to display and, most importantly, how the new narratives evolved after close looking at the collections.

Presentation | Restoring a Shaker Office

Robert Adam, preservation architect, woodworker, and founder of the Preservation Carpentry program, North Bennet Street School, Boston, Massachusetts

In 2002, Robert Adam purchased a dilapidated building from the site of the former Shaker community in Shirley, Massachusetts. Originally a Shaker office and more recently a single-family home, the structure was in dire need of restoration. Adam, as a preservation architect and fine woodworker, took on the challenge of moving the structure to a new site and restoring it–every slate roof tile, clapboard, and peg–to it would have appeared in the early nineteenth century. This talk explores Adam’s 6 year endeavor to restore a Shaker office.

Conversation | Maine Shaker Perspectives on Material Culture

Brother Arnold Hadd, United Society of Shakers, Sabbathday Lake, Maine
Michael Graham, Director, Shaker Museum & Library, Sabbathday Lake, Maine

Part 1 – A Carrier in Every Collection
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Brother Arnold Hadd and Director Michael Graham will present a narrated slideshow of historic images highlighting the many contributions of Elder Henry Green and Brother Delmer Wilson as some of the most prolific Shaker oval box makers.
Part 2 – Everything but the Cross
Brother Arnold will explore how the popularity of the Shakers’ material objects has endangered Shaker culture.

Conversation | Painted Boxes and Iconic Stacks: The Collections of Dr. Marvin & Natalie Gliedman and Watt & Jan White
Chip Gliedman, retired technology analyst, philatelic research volunteer, stamp collector, and son of Dr. Marvin and Natalie Gliedman, Ridgefield, Connecticut
John Keith Russell, antiques dealer specializing in authentic, historic Shaker material and other objects of fine design, South Salem, New York

This conversation explores the mind of the collector and the opportunities and challenges of stewarding a collection that was thoughtfully assembled by someone else. Chip Gliedman spent most of his life living with an inveterate Shaker collector. This talk will discuss his family’s experience assembling, preserving, and exhibiting the iconic stacks of painted Shaker oval boxes from Shaker Design (1986) at the Whitney Museum of American Art. In dialogue, John Keith Russell will share his recollections of the Gliedmans, as well as the story of Watt & Janice White of Stamford, CT, and their remarkable collection of painted Shaker oval boxes, which were collected out of a different set of interests and intentions.
A Glimpse into the Past: Discussion on Building an Archive of Shaker Symposia
George Kohrman, independent Shaker researcher, former Director of the Office of information Technology, Western Michigan University
This presentation will discuss what could happen with recordings from many Berkshire/Hancock Shaker Seminars. George will share two important clips: the first from a 1992 presentation by D. J. J. Gerald McCue (1913-2011) about his early years collecting Shaker material, and the second from the last interview with Sister Ethel Hudson (1896-1992), the last member of the Shaker community in Canterbury, NH, who passed away six weeks after the recording was made.

Pop-up Exhibition | Bring Your Own Box
Participants are invited to bring their favorite Shaker box to include in our Sunday afternoon Pop-up Exhibition. When you register for the weekend, let us know what you are planning to bring so we can have a label prepared for your box.
MEALS AND LODGING
Meals will be catered by Catherine Erving, The Rustic Gourmet, highlighting seasonal and local ingredients including items foraged from the gardens at Enfield Shaker Museum. A Welcome Lobster Bake/Barbecue will be held on Saturday evening in the historic Stone Machine Shop.
Lodging is available in the Great Stone Dwelling on a first come, first served basis.
OPTIONAL TOUR
On Monday, August 7 we have scheduled an optional tour in Manchester, NH of the Zimmerman and Dr. and Mrs. Kalil houses, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This tour is specially organized in partnership with the Currier Museum, Manchester, NH. Tour participation is limited to 14, tickets are available on a first come, first served basis at $40/person.
Click here to download 2023 Shaker Collectors Registration

Enfield Shaker Supper Club 7/30/2023
2023-07-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH, 03748, United States
Enfield Shaker Supper Club
Carefully curated and prepared dinner experiences
Shaker Inspired.
Drink Pairings.
Surprise Extras.
Good Company.
More than just a dinner party!
Enfield Shaker Museum is pleased to bring you traditional favorites and delicious seasonal culinary creations carefully prepared by Chef Tony Rinella and served in the dining room of the Great Stone Dwelling.
We are looking forward to monthly Enfield Shaker Supper Club feasts, this one features scrumptious summer barbecue. Plan now to get some friends together and join us for one or more of these exceptional meals!
Sunday, July 30, 2023 – 7:00 pm
The three-course meal includes:
Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Homemade Tomato Sauce & Fettucine Noodles
Seasonal Garden Salad
Fresh Baked Bread
Triple Chocolate Brownies with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Beer, wine, or cider.
A bar with assorted beer, wine, and cider will be available for purchase as well.
Museum Members – $45/per person
Non-Members – $50/per person
Reservations required. Please bring your email confirmation with you to the event.
Want to know more about Chef Tony Rinella?
Chef Tony Rinella received his culinary training from the United States Army. Once he completed his military training, Tony returned to the Upper Valley of New Hampshire. After several years of learning from some talented and seasoned chefs, Tony was given an opportunity to run his own kitchen. At the tender age of 23, he managed both Firestones in Quechee, VT and Bentley’s in Woodstock, VT. Eventually he moved to Hingham, MA and joined the team at Eat Well, LLC, a restaurant group located on the South Shore.
Upon returning to the Upper Valley, Tony accepted a position at The Lyme Inn in Lyme, NH, completely rebuilding their tavern and greatly increasing its success. He took the number of meals served from an average of seven per evening to regularly serving 250 people on a weekend evening.
Tony has come full circle in his career and has returned to his roots! After a nearly four year stint as the Head Chef at The Public House in Quechee, VT, and time as Executive Chef at Dr. Coburn’s Tonic in Woodstock, VT, he can now be found at The Baited Hook in Lebanon, NH.
Tony lives in Enfield, New Hampshire with his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters, Charlotte Anne and Isla Grace.
