Discover the Shakers’ Legacy with the New Canterbury Village App Preview

Read the full experience

Situated in the tranquil heart of Canterbury, New Hampshire, Canterbury Shaker Village offers a rare window into one of America’s most fascinating communal cultures. This Members Only Village App Preview invites dedicated visitors to engage with history through a cutting-edge educational tool designed to breathe new life into this historic outdoor site. The Shaker village itself is renowned for its impeccably preserved 19th-century buildings and serene landscapes, making it a standout destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. This unique experience begins with an introduction led by Educational Director Kyle Sandler and Visitor Services Manager Charlie Decker. Participants gain insider insight into how the new app was developed and learn about the significance of Shaker life, culture, and craftsmanship that this site preserves. The app is not just an educational guide—it’s an interactive gateway that provides detailed stories, historic photographs, and GPS-based self-guided tours through the restored family dwellings, workshops, barns, and farmland. This hands-on beta testing allows members to explore the village trails while experiencing this innovative digital map and storytelling platform in real time. Canterbury Shaker Village is a special place within the New England outdoor recreation scene for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The landscape itself is dotted with gentle walking trails bordered by maples and evergreens, and the Shaker architecture embodies simplicity with elegance—reflecting the sect’s values of communal living and industriousness. The Shakers' historical contribution to craftsmanship and sustainable living is deeply woven into the village experience, offering visitors a rare chance to reflect on an era when innovation and spirituality intersected. Unlike traditional tours, the app preview experience personalizes your journey through the village’s open-air museum, empowering guests to set their own pace and priorities. For travelers staying nearby, Canterbury offers a peaceful retreat amid New Hampshire’s rolling hills, making it a perfect base for those seeking an educational escape paired with outdoor walking adventures. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone who appreciates calm walks in a verdant setting, this app preview stands out as a creative approach to revitalizing heritage tourism. Join the members-only event to shape the future of how stories are told and preserved — all while wandering through one of New England’s most quietly compelling outdoor history sites.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels; expect leisurely walking on mostly flat trails.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a member to participate?

Yes, this event is exclusive to members only. To join, visit www.shakers.org/membership.

Is the app compatible with all smartphones?

The app supports most modern iOS and Android devices.

Can I explore the village without the app?

Yes, but the app greatly enhances the experience with added history and interactive features.

Are there restrooms available on site?

Yes, restrooms are available near the Visitor Center.

Is parking available at Canterbury Shaker Village?

Yes, free parking is available on site for all visitors.

Is the tour stroller-friendly?

The walking paths are mostly flat but have some uneven areas, so strollers may be used with caution.

Local insights

Wildlife

Eastern chipmunks
Red-tailed hawks

History

Canterbury Shaker Village preserves a religious communal society founded in the 1780s, famous for its minimalist design and innovation in agriculture.

Conservation

The village actively promotes sustainable practices by maintaining organic gardens and using environmentally friendly building restoration methods.

About Canterbury Shaker Village

Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic Shaker community and living history museum located in Canterbury, New Hampshire. The Village offers guided tours, special exhibitions, community readings, concerts, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events that interpret Shaker life, craft, and communal practices. Educational programs highlight primary sources and personal narratives, including special tours inspired by Nicolas Briggs’s memoir Forty Years a Shaker and guided walks led by the Village’s education staff such as Director of Education Kyle Sandler. Visitors can attend readings in the 1792 Meeting House, music on the green, antique and vintage car shows set among fall foliage, and exhibition openings that honor the Shakers’ legacy. Workshops and demonstrations teach traditional Shaker skills; examples include a cherry oval box workshop led by instructor Dick Bennett and farm-to-table dinners paired with historic tours at community gatherings like Simply Shaker. Members and preview events bring curators and historians together to contextualize artifacts, as seen in the Keeping Faith exhibition talks with curators Renée Fox, Kyle Sandler, and Shirley Wajda. Canterbury Shaker Village maintains credibility through documented artifacts, named curators and educators, and a range of public programs that connect visitors directly to Shaker material culture. The Village’s calendar of events and combination of tours, exhibitions, and hands-on learning provide reliable opportunities for visitors to explore early American religious life and Shaker craftsmanship. Public programs often include live music, community readings, vintage car exhibitions, curator talks, and light refreshments during exhibition openings to deepen visitor engagement with Shaker history and authentic material culture.

Base locationCanterbury, New Hampshire

Tours offered42+

Adventure tips

Bring a fully charged smartphoneThe app runs on your phone and needs a good battery for the 90-minute tour.

Wear comfortable walking shoesThe village trails are gentle but consist of dirt paths and some uneven terrain.

Download the app before arrivalEnsure smooth testing by downloading version 1.0 ahead of your visit where possible.

Dress for the weatherOutdoor walking means you should be prepared for New England’s changing spring and summer conditions.

Recommended gear

Smartphone with the app installed: Essential for interacting with the app content during your visit.
Comfortable walking shoes: Good footwear ensures comfort on dirt paths and uneven surfaces.
Water bottle: Stay hydrated while walking the village trails in warm weather.
Light rain jacket: Prepare for unpredictable spring showers during your outing.