2013 Calendar of Events
For workshops and programs requiring pre-registration, please contact the Education Coordinator at (518) 456-7890 x23 or by email at shakereducator@gmail.com to sign up.
Upcoming Programs and Events:
Music in the Meeting House with the Broken String Band
May 25, 7:30pm $15 per person/under 18 free. Doors open at 7pm.
This well-rounded quintet strings and plays lively classic Irish dance tunes and lilting modern compositions in the tradition on concertina, accordion, guitar, fiddle, bouzouki, uilleann pipes, whistles, bodhran, and hammered dulcimer.
Shaker Herb Sale
June 1, 10:00am-4:00pm
Join us for our Third Annual Shaker Herb Sale at Faddegon’s Nursery. A variety of herbs will be available for purchase and a portion of the proceeds will benefit education programs at the Shaker Heritage Society. For more information, visit Faddegons.com.
Albany Pro Musica Pops Goes the Chorus!
June 7 and 8, 7:30pm
Albany Pro Musica takes the stage with show tunes, old standards, and popular songs performed in the 1848 Meeting House, a place built for singing. This cabaret-style evening showcase’s APM’s individual and ensemble talents. Please visit albanypromusica.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
New York State Museum Week
June 11-15
Special Architecture Tours: June 12th at 6:00pm and June 15th at 1:00pm
Celebrate the 2nd annual New York State Museum Week with a visit to the Shaker Site! We are offering special architecture tours on June 12th at 6:00pm and June 15th at 1:00pm. Learn about Shaker building practices and access several buildings that are usually closed to the public, such as the 1915 Barn Complex and the herb drying house. Suggested donation for this tour is $5. We are also offering 10% your total shop purchase from the 11th through the 15th. NYS Museum Week is part of the Path Through History project and supported by I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit iloveny.com.
Music in the Meeting House with Friends Union Band
Featuring Norman Rodham
June 22, 7:30pm $15 per person/under 18 free Doors open at 7pm.
Join us for an evening of music and entertainment with the Friends Union Band. Steve Iachetta on fiddle, mandolin, frailing banjo, and tenor guitar and Rod Driscoll on hammered- and lap-dulcimers, guitar, banjo, and bodhran span the best in Celtic, Appalachian, and traditional music. Doors open at 7:00 pm. For more information on the Friends Union Band, visit their website at friendsunionband.com.
Ephrata Cloister Chorus
June 23, 3:00pm $10 per person/under 18 free
Enjoy the sounds of music from America’s past at this special concert with the Ephrata Cloister Chorus. This Chorus presents music from the historic Ephrata Cloister as well as selections from other early communities, including the Shakers. The Ephrata Cloister was formed as a religious hermitage in the 1730s. To learn more about this historic site, please visit http://www.ephratacloister.org.
This is a fundraising concert. All proceeds will be used for the stabilization of the 1915 Shaker Barn Complex. Be sure to bring a friend!
Shaker Summer Craft Fair
July 13-14, 10:00am-4:00pm
Find the perfect item for your home or a gift for your friend at our Summer Craft Fair. Explore the booths of over 75 local and regional crafters on the grounds of the Shaker Heritage Society. A Family Activity Tent will host activities for all ages. Site tours are offered both days at 11:30 and 1:30. Admission is $4 per person; SHS Members and those under 18 admitted free.
Fall Harvest Craft Fair
September 7-8, 10:00am – 4:00pm
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.
“But We’ll Meet Them All Again in Our Spirit Home”: The Shakers, Aging, and Death
October 4, 5:30pm
Like every culture and society, the Shakers had their own views on aging, death, and dying. Join SHS Education Coordinator Samantha Saladino to explore Shaker attitudes about aging and death and learn how the Shaker way of death differed from their worldly counterparts. Participants can bring a “brown bag” dinner. Dessert provided by the museum. Suggested donation $5.
Christmas Craft Fair
October 26 – December 14
Find perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list at our annual Christmas Craft Fair! Over fifty regional crafters and artisans are represented, offering thousands of items for your perusal. Jewelry, candles, quilted and woven goods, photography, ceramics, apparel, ornaments, home decor, and jams and preserves are among the most popular items. The fair is open Monday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm and admission is free.
Past Events
Museum Opens for 2013 Season
February 5, 9:30am
Albany County Black History Month
February 2, 10:00am at the Meeting House
Shaker Heritage Society is pleased to partner with Albany County Executive, Daniel McCoy as he launches the County’s celebration of Black History Month with a press release and lecture about African American Shakers and Shaker involvement in the Underground Railroad. The lecture will be presented by Society Executive Director, Starlyn D’Angelo.
February Break Craft Workshops
February 19-22, 10:30-11:30 am
Join us for a four-part series of kids’ craft workshops. Participants will learn about Shaker history while completing a traditional craft. Workshops are $5 each, or all four for $15. Pre-registration is required by February 12th. Please click here for a full schedule.
Shaker Story Time at the William K. Sanford Library
February 19, 2:00-3:00 and 3:30-4:30
SHS and the William K. Sanford Town Library have teamed up to present this fun afternoon program for kids in grades 1 and up. Story time featuring two beautifully illustrated children’s books about the Shakers will be followed by Shaker-inspired crafts,19th century children’s games, and a snack. Registration required. You may sign up online from the library’s website (colonielibrary.blogspot.com), or in-person at the library in Youth Services. This program will be held at the William K. Sanford Town Library, located at 629 Albany Shaker Road in Loudonville.
Mother Ann Lee: Skype Lecture with Brother Arnold Hadd
February 23, 2:00 pm
Brother Arnold Hadd, one of the Shakers living at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, will present a lecture on Mother Ann Lee via Skype. The lecture will be held at Siena College in Loudonville and is free and open to the public. Please check back here or call the museum at (518) 456-7890 for more information.
Spring Break Craft Workshops
April 1-5, 10:30-11:30 am
Join us for a five-part series of kids’ craft workshops. Participants will learn about Shaker history while completing a traditional craft. Workshops are $5 each, or all five for $20. Pre-registration is required by March 22nd. Please click here for a full schedule.
Basket Making Workshop with Sandy Salada
April 13, 10:30-3:30
Learn how to weave a muffin basket with local basket weaving instructor Sandy Salada. This is the perfect basket for muffins, bread, or a catch-all basket for any room. No experience needed and good for ages 14 and up. The cost of this workshop is $35 per person and includes materials. Pre-registration is required by April 5th. Space is limited for this very popular workshop, so be sure reserve your spot. This workshop is currently full. To add your name to the waiting list, please call (518) 456-7890 x23 or email shakereducator@gmail.com.
Homemade Spa Products Workshop
April 27, 11:00 am
The Shakers made and sold a variety of herb-based health and beauty products, from hair restorer to freckle remover. There are a number of different concoctions that can be made from every day items found in your own home. Join us as we make luxurious spa goods. The cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required by April 19th.
Music in the Meeting House with Mike + Ruthy
April 27, 7:30pm $20 per person/Under 18 free
Don’t miss this special concert featuring acclaimed recording artists, Mike + Ruthy. Performer magazine said that they offer “Thoughtful lyrics and beautiful harmonies that capture the essence of American music.” Hear their music here: http://www.mikeandruthy.com/
Pottery Fest
May 4 and 5, 10:00am-4:00pm
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 per person, free admission for children under age 12.