Are children allowed on the Behind-the-Scenes tour?

Yes, children accompanied by adults are welcome, but the tour content is best suited for ages 10 and up due to historical context.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Photography is permitted in most areas; however, flash and tripod use may be restricted to protect artifacts.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Some parts of the village and buildings are wheelchair accessible, but certain historic areas may have limited access due to preservation efforts.

How can I book a private tour?

Bookings can be made through Canterbury Shaker Village’s official website or via the provided referral link with advance notice.

Is parking available at Canterbury Shaker Village?

Yes, there is ample free parking on site for visitors attending tours and events.

Are masks or health precautions required?

Health and safety guidelines are subject to change; please check with Canterbury Shaker Village prior to your visit for current policies.

Exclusive Summer Tour at Canterbury Shaker Village, NH | Guided Tour | Private

Discover the unique history and hidden spaces of Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire with the Summer Special Tour Series - Behind-the-Scenes. Guided by the Director of Education, Kyle Sandler, this exclusive experience offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore areas typically closed to the public. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle and material culture of the Shaker community, gaining insights into their innovative craftsmanship, communal living, and spiritual heritage. The tour combines engaging storytelling with access to preserved rooms, workshops, and artifacts that reveal the Shakers' influence on American history and design. Perfect for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and curious travelers, this intimate tour encourages thoughtful exploration in a peaceful rural setting. Supported by expert guidance, the experience is both informative and memorable, providing a fresh perspective on this well-preserved historic site. Whether visiting with family or friends, the Behind-the-Scenes tour invites you to connect directly with the local heritage while enjoying a stroll through lovely gardens and historic buildings.

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.