Enfield Shakers Historic District, Religious settlement district in Enfield, US.
The Enfield Shaker Historic District is a collection of stone buildings and farm structures sitting on the western shore of Lake Mascoma in New Hampshire. About 15 preserved buildings remain here, including the Great Stone Dwelling and various workshops that supported the community's way of life.
The settlement started in 1793 as the ninth of eighteen Shaker communities founded in the United States. It operated until 1923, when the remaining members eventually left the community.
The community here pioneered gender equality and shared ownership, which shaped how they built schools and organized their workspaces. Visitors can see this equality reflected in how buildings and work areas were designed for both men and women.
The Shaker Museum offers guided tours through about 15 preserved buildings, including the Great Stone Dwelling and various workshops. Spring through fall offers the best visiting conditions, with pleasant weather and full access to the structures.
The Shakers engineered a sophisticated system of stone drains and water channels to support their farming and workshops. These structures remain visible today and show how advanced their technical skills were.
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