Canterbury Shaker Village, Historic Shaker settlement in Canterbury, United States.
Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic settlement in New Hampshire with 25 original buildings and 4 reconstructed structures spread across 694 acres. The site includes forests, fields, and mill ponds that were part of the community's working landscape.
The Shaker community was established in the late 1700s and grew to around 300 members by the mid-1800s. The settlement became known for its productive farms and skilled crafts that sustained the group for generations.
The community's way of life shaped how buildings were designed and used, with spaces for work, worship, and daily tasks kept separate and organized. Walking through the village, you notice how the layout itself reflects their values of order and simplicity.
The site is open from May through October, so plan your visit during the warmer months. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking across varied terrain to explore different areas.
Sister Ethel Hudson was the final resident who lived here until 1990, preserving two centuries of continuous community traditions. Her presence made this settlement the last active Shaker village of its era.
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