Maine is full of history and one of our favorite things is uncovering the smaller, lesser known bits of state stories that people often overlook. Of course, there are the stories we all grow up hearing – about ship building, potatoes and lumber. But, there’s more to Maine than just that. This Shaker village in Maine is a great example of some of the beautiful history that exists here in Vacationland.
Maine has the only active Shaker village in the world.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is an active community, and includes the last two living members anywhere in the world!
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783 by a group of Shaker missionaries, who first called the area “Thompson’s Pond Plantation.”
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
The original community had just five farming families, but after being settled it took under a year for nearly two hundred people to flock here and set up their homes.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook In 1794, the group became an official community after building a place for public worship. The creation of this Meeting House is what made them an official community.
Sabbathday Lake was one of the smallest and poorest of the Shaker communities in the east.
Today, the Village continues to be a place where Shakers live, work, and pray.
It includes 17 historic structures, which date from the 1780s through the 1950s, located on 1,800 acres of farm and forest land.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
The Shaker’s Guiding Principle, first expressed by Shaker leader Mother Ann Lee about 230 years ago is: “Put your hands to work, and give your hearts to God.”
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
Today, most people are familiar with Shakers through the tradition of Shaker furniture.
Aaron Morton / Flickr
You might be surprised to learn that there are many other things that they’re adept at. Their legacy includes achievements in social reform, agriculture, technology, and innovation.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook Did you know that Shakers invented the flat broom, circular saw blade, spring clothespin, chair tilter buttons, and the paper seed envelope?
The Shaker Village in Maine has a tree farm, apple orchard, vegetable gardens, herb garden, hay fields, pastures, a flock of sheep, and livestock.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
Visitors can visit The Sabbathday Shakers to take part in the living history and heritage.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
Visitors are encouraged to take part in traditional craft workshops, concerts, educational programs, membership support groups, and even Sunday worship services.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
And, visitors can leave with all sorts of wonderful Shaker products!
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
You can visit them at 707 Shaker Road in New Gloucester. For more information about the history of the Sabbathday Shakers and how to visit, you can find them online by clicking here. Or, simply give the at call at (207) 926-4597.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village / Facebook
In 1794, the group became an official community after building a place for public worship. The creation of this Meeting House is what made them an official community.
Sabbathday Lake was one of the smallest and poorest of the Shaker communities in the east.
Today, the Village continues to be a place where Shakers live, work, and pray.
Aaron Morton / Flickr
Did you know that Shakers invented the flat broom, circular saw blade, spring clothespin, chair tilter buttons, and the paper seed envelope?
Growing up in Maine is unlike anything else. Want proof? Check out these 13 reasons why we think it’s the best!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
