Is the Shaker Stories tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome, and the engaging stories make it educational and interesting for all ages.

Are pets allowed during the tour?

Pets are not permitted on the guided tours to respect the preservation of the village and other visitors.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

While many parts of the village are accessible, some historic buildings have limited wheelchair access. Contact Canterbury Shaker Village directly for specific accommodations.

Can I take photographs during the tour?

Photography is encouraged, but please be respectful of the buildings and artifacts by not using flash indoors.

How do I book the private tour?

You can book directly through Canterbury Shaker Village’s website or via the referral link provided in this guide.

Is there parking available on site?

Yes, parking is available at Canterbury Shaker Village, but it’s recommended to arrive early during busy periods.

Shaker Stories Tour in Canterbury, New Hampshire | History Tour | Guided Tour

Experience the rich history and enduring legacy of the Shakers with the Shaker Stories - History & Legacy guided tour at Canterbury Shaker Village. This 1.5-hour private tour offers an intimate look at the Shaker community’s journey from persecution to creating a thriving and innovative society. Guests will learn about the Shakers’ unique commitment to communal living, gender equality, and their remarkable contributions to American craftsmanship and culture. As you walk the peaceful grounds of the village, you’ll discover authentic buildings, artifacts, and hear stories that reveal their vision of “Heaven on Earth.” This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers eager to understand an influential spiritual community that prioritized simplicity, sustainability, and innovation. The knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, connecting the past to the present while highlighting the Shakers’ lasting impact on American traditions. Whether you’re visiting solo or with a private group, this tour is a meaningful way to connect with a significant chapter of American heritage in the heart of New Hampshire’s scenic landscapes.

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.