Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Religious historic district in New Gloucester, United States
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is a religious historic district in New Gloucester, United States, with fourteen operational buildings and a central dwelling that still houses members. The complex includes an archive holding extensive records of the movement and an orchard covering several hectares of cultivated land.
Founded in 1783, the settlement grew to its largest extent by 1850, when twenty-six major structures covered the property. It marked the eastern boundary of the movement in America and has remained continuously occupied for over two and a half centuries.
Named after the nearby lake where settlers once gathered for Sabbath rest, the site reflects the plain lifestyle through furniture and tools still in daily use. Visitors can see how rooms remain arranged for communal living, with simple wooden benches and workspaces that embody the hands-to-work philosophy of this religious group.
The museum is set to reopen in 2025, offering guided walks led by members who share firsthand insights into daily routines. Visitors should check opening times in advance, as the site remains an active religious setting and some areas are reserved for worship and private use.
This settlement is the last active community of its kind anywhere in the world, with two members continuing religious traditions in 2024. Sunday worship still takes place in the original 1794 meetinghouse, where visitors can witness the plain ceremony that has changed little over centuries.
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