News

Shaker Village cancellations and closures

|Michael Graham, Director of the Shaker Museum and Library|


I’m writing with an important update about our summer season related to the ongoing pandemic and public health concerns. Brother Arnold and I are very pleased with the response and guidance that Governor Janet Mills is providing and we’re closely following her recommendations for extreme precaution related to the spread of Covid-19.

As a result, Shaker Village will not open to the public until Friday, July 3, 2020. Specifically, this means:

-Sunday Worship Services will remain closed to the public while Maine’s Shelter-In-Place Order remains in effect.

-The Men’s Retreat “Learning from a Latter Day Elder” on May 5-May 8 is cancelled.

-Work Day on Saturday, May 9, 2020 is cancelled.

-The opening of the Shaker Museum and Shaker Store is postponed until Friday, July 3, 2020.

-Birdwatching at the Shaker Bog on Saturday, May 23, 2020 is cancelled.

-Nature’s Outdoor Classroom on Saturday, June 6 and Saturday, June 13 are cancelled.

-Craft workshops originally scheduled on June 6th and June 13th will not be held on those dates. My staff and I will work with the instructors and enrollees to reschedule those classes at a later point in the season.

-Shape Note Singing will not be held on Saturday, June 6, 2020. We will attempt to reschedule this gathering at a later piont in the season.

-The Women’s Retreat “Shaker Spirituality” will not take place on June 13 – June 16, 2020. We’re attempting to reschedule this program at a later time in the season.

-The Maine Festival of American Music will not be held on June 24 – 27. My staff and I will work with the musicians to determine if the event can be rescheduled at a later point in the season.

My Office Manager Jamie Ribisi-Braley will contact individuals enrolled in retreats and workshops to coordinate full refunds for any cancelled programs.

I deeply regret any disappointment that this announcement causes, but I’m certain that you will agree that public health and safety remains our leading concern. The Shakers and I will continue to follow the recommendations of Maine’s leaders. As soon as it is safe and reasonable to resume our public programming and operations, the Shakers, the staff, and I will be very pleased to welcome you back to Shaker Village to share in experiences and community.

We will miss you. Stay healthy and be well,
Michael S. Graham
Director
The Shaker Museum and Library