Mastering Museum Stewardship at Canterbury Shaker Village: The Collections Camp Experience

Located in the historic town of Canterbury, New Hampshire, Collections Camp offers a rare, hands-on dive into museum collection stewardship amid the evocative surroundings of Canterbury Shaker Village. This immersive, nine-day workshop is designed for anyone passionate about preserving cultural heritage, guiding participants through the essentials of managing and caring for museum collections with precision and respect.

Canterbury Shaker Village, a living history site commemorating the Shaker community founded in the late 18th century, provides an evocative setting. The Village’s restored buildings and rich archives give a unique context to this specialized camp, blending historical insight with practical education. Participants engage deeply with the Village’s own extensive collection, benefitting from expert-led lectures, workshops, and tours.

The camp’s curriculum covers a wide range of skills critical for museum professionals and enthusiasts alike. Starting with foundational concepts such as the history of museums and ethical stewardship, attendees quickly move into hands-on sessions on object handling, registration, measurement, and cataloging. Specialized workshops teach conservation techniques to protect items from deterioration caused by environmental threats like dust and pests.

One of the defining elements of Collections Camp is its afternoon Inventory Practicum, where registrants assist in cataloging and inventorying actual museum objects. This practical application provides invaluable real-world experience, reinforcing lessons learned in the morning lectures. Current university students are particularly encouraged to apply, as scholarships support their participation in this intensive inventory work.

This program not only develops technical skills but also highlights the importance of museum stewardship as a responsibility to future generations. Through tours of storage facilities, historic houses, and the Village infirmary, participants gain a sense of how exhibitions are curated and objects preserved for public display. Workshops on exhibition planning and label writing further round out this comprehensive experience.

Navigating Canterbury Shaker Village’s historic grounds, with their uneven paths and period structures, adds to the authenticity of the experience—and requires some physical mobility. The camp provides morning coffee, snacks, and lunch on select days, creating a comfortable learning environment that fosters connection among like-minded individuals.

For travelers seeking a specialized educational adventure in the heart of New England, Collections Camp stands apart. It is a rare opportunity to immerse in the preservation of cultural history surrounded by the serene landscapes and architectural heritage of the Shakers. Whether you are a museum professional, student, or heritage enthusiast, this distinct two-week program enriches your understanding and skills, while connecting you to a vital piece of American history in Canterbury, NH.