2012 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Programs and Events:
Museum Reopens for 2012 Season
February 7th, 9:30am
All programs take place in the 1848 Meeting House unless otherwise specified.
All Souls Are Created Equal: African American Shakers
February 25th, 2pm
The Shakers subscribed to the ideals of racial equality, something that was not accepted by a majority of their contemporaries. Hear a lecture exploring stories and experiences of African American Shakers in honor of Black History Month. Free for SHS Members; $5 donation suggested at the door for non-members.
Mother Ann Lee Birthday Celebration
February 29th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Join us for a FUNdraising event to celebrate Mother Ann Lee’s 67th birthday – or 276th, depending on how you count! This birthday bash will feature Shaker songs performed by Albany Pro Musica, demonstrations, and refreshments. Proceeds from this event will go toward the Shaker Heritage Society and its preservation efforts. Please call for ticket information.
Women in Shaker Society
March 24th, 2pm
Did you know that Mother Lucy Wright’s appointment to Ministry leader in 1787 caused a number of Shaker brethren to leave the community because of their refusal to be part of a “petticoat government”? Join us for an exploration of the role of women in Shaker society through the stories of individual Shaker women in honor of Women’s History Month. Free for SHS Members; $5 donation suggested at the door for non-members.
Basket Making Workshop with Sandy Salada
March 31st, 12:00-4:00 pm
Learn how to weave a beautiful Shaker style cheese basket with local basket weaving instructor Sandy Salada. All basket-making tools will be provided. This workshop is $30, plus a $5 materials fee. Class space is limited, so please call 456-7890 x23 or email shakereducator@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!
Shakers in American Literature
April 21st, 2pm
Did you ever wonder how great American authors such as Herman Mellville and Nathaniel Hawthorne regarded the Shakers? Learn more during this lecture presented in honor of National Poetry month. Free for SHS Members/$5 suggested donation at the door.
Music in the Meeting House featuring Mike + Ruthy
April 21st, 7:30pm
Experience the fantastic acoustics of the 1848 Meeting House and the wonderful tunes of Mike + Ruthy. Visit their website here: http://www.mikeandruthy.com/
Shaker Learning Fair for 3rd-4th grade students
May 9 through June 13
A hands-on learning experience that meets numerous NY State learning standards. Visit our Education program page for detailed information.
Albany Pro Musica
May 11 at 7:30pm & May 12 at 7:30pm
Swingin’ with APM! takes to the stage with show tunes, old standards and familiar folk tunes performed in a room literally built for singing. This cabaret-style evening showcases Pro Musica’s individual and ensemble talents in a unique historic setting, the 1848 Shaker Meeting House.
Please go to http://www.albanypromusica.org/season/ for more information and to purchase tickets.
Pottery Fest
May 19 & 20, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Collar City Clay Guild will present their annual Pottery Fest on the grounds of the Shaker Heritage Society. Explore the booths of clay artisans and observe demonstrations. Many artisans will have their wares for sale and be on hand to answer your questions. This is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Admission is $5.00 per person and children under 12 are admitted free. www.CollarCityClayGuild.com
Find Your Roots: Beginners’ Genealogy Workshop
May 26th, 2 pm
Discover how you can explore your family history in this genealogy workshop for beginners. Learn how to use vital records, ship manifests, and the federal census to research your ancestors, how to record important information, and more. This workshop is $15 for SHS members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required by May 18th. Please call 456-7890 x23 or email shakereducator@gmail.com to sign up for this program.
Music in the Meeting House with The Broken String Band
May 26th, 7:30pm
Enjoy and evening of great music the with Broken String Band, the Capital Region’s longest reigning traditional Irish band. Please visit lawsontrad.com for more information. Tickets for this concert are $12 per person, $10 for students, seniors, and SHS members. Under 18 admitted free.
Shaker Herb Sale
June 2nd, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Faddegon’s Nursery will host an herb sale to benefit the education programs of the Shaker Heritage Society. A variety of herbs will be available for purchase and the proceeds will benefit SHS. For more information, visit www.Faddegons.com. Faddegon’s Nursery is located at 1140 Troy Schenectady Road in Latham, New York.
Shaker Medicinal Herbs Workshop
June 9th, 1:00-3:00 pm
Have you ever wondered about the many herbs growing in the Shaker herb garden? This program will give you an opportunity to learn about how they were grown and used and you will have an opportunity to try making an herbal product to take home. Presented by herbalist Barbara Neznek, this program is $30 per person, including materials and handouts. Please contact the Shaker Heritage Society at 456-7890 x23 or ShakerEducator@gmail.com to sign up for this program. Pre-registration required by June 5th.
Music in the Meeting House with the Friends Union Band with Special Guest Norm Rodham
June 9th, 7:30pm
The Shaker Heritage Society welcomes the Friends Union Band and special guest Norm Rodham! Friends Union Band is comprised of Steve “Shaker Fiddle” Iachetta and Rod Driscoll, this talented folk music team performs a variety of Celtic, Appalachian, and traditional tunes. They will be accompanied by guitar and Bhodran master Norm Rodham from Melbourne, Florida. Please visit friendsunionband.com for more information. Tickets for this concert are $12 per person, $10 for students, seniors, and SHS members. Under 18 admitted free.
Tea in the Garden: Tea Blending and Tasting
June 23rd, 2 pm
Learn how Shakers used herbs to make tea! Courtney Powers, owner of Collar City Teas in Troy, will discuss and demonstrate tea blending using Shaker herbs, followed by a tasting. This program is $20. Pre-registration required by June 19th.
Shaker Summer Craft Fair
July 14 & 15, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Find the perfect item for your home or gift for a friend at our Summer Craft Fair! Explore the booths of over 80 crafters on the grounds of the Shaker Heritage Society. Jewelry, apparel, ornaments, household goods, toys and gourmet foods are among the most popular items. A Family Activity Station will host activities for all age levels. Site tours are offered on both days at 11:30 and 1:30. Admission: $4 per person or $3 with this ad. Under 18 admitted free.
Made in the USA: The Music of Aaron Copland
August 4th, 2 pm
Like many musicians, artists, and authors, American composer Aaron Copland was inspired by the Shakers. His most famous piece, the ballet Appalachian Spring, was inspired by the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts.” Dr. Suzanne Forsberg, professor of fine arts at St. Francis College, will speak about Copland’s art, life, and legacy. Stay after the lecture to be part of a discussion. This program, which is free and open to the public, is made possible through the New York Council for the Humanities’ Speakers in the Humanities program.
Fall Harvest Craft Fair
September 8 & 9, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Enjoy the outdoors as you explore booths representing over 80 different crafters at our Fall Harvest Craft Fair. Get an early start on your holiday shopping as you discover jewelry, jams, quilts, apparel, pottery, soaps and decorative items for your home. A Family Activity Station will feature activities for all ages throughout the weekend. Site tours are scheduled on both days at 11:30 and 1:30. Admission: $4 per person or $3 with this ad. Under 18 admitted free.
Food Preservation Workshop
September 29th, 2 pm
Did you know that the Shakers invented the vacuum-sealed tin can? Come learn about Shaker food preservation techniques and how to preserve your own homegrown fruits and vegetables! Sandra Varno of the Cornell Cooperative Extension will lead this informational workshop. She is a registered dietitian and a Master Food Preserver. Each participant will receive a hand-out and a copy of the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving to take home with them. The cost of this program is $20 for non-members and $15 for SHS members. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Education Coordinator at (518) 456-7890 x23 or shakereducator@gmail.com to sign up for this program.
Christmas Craft Fair
October 27 through December 15
Kids’ Craft Workshops
November 17th and 24th, and December 1st
Come make a special gift for a family member or friend! Parents will have a chance to shop at the Craft Fair while kids create a holiday gift and gift bag. The cost of this workshop is $5 per child, per craft at the door. More information to follow.
Snowflake Ornament Workshop with Sandy Salada
December 8th, 11:00am-4:00 pm
Weave a lovely ornament with local basket weaver Sandy Salada. These beautiful pieces make excellent gifts and seasonal decorations. All basket-making tools will be provided. This hour-long workshop is $30, plus a $5 materials fee. Class space is limited, so please call 456-7890 x23 or email shakereducator@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!
