There was a community of Shakers living in Shirley from 1793 – 1908. Formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, they believed in communal living, celibacy, pacifism, and full equality between men and women. They are known for the quality of their furniture, architecture, music, and crafts.
The Shirley Shaker Village property, with ten Shaker buildings remaining, is part of the state prison system, and it can only be accessed by special arrangement with the state.
Guided tours will be held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. on September 27th and October 11th.
The tours begin inside a Shaker building with a brief illustrated lecture on the history of the Shakers and the Shirley Shaker Village. Visitors go inside two other Shaker buildings and travel by prison van to various locations around the property.
Reservations must be made in advance for a cost of $20 per person, or $15 for Shirley Historical Society members.
Private tours may be arranged for groups of 8 on an agreed-upon Sunday afternoon.
Mail payment and contact information to Shirley Historical Society, PO Box 217, Shirley, MA 01464. Email mail@shirleyhistory.org for further information.
Of the six Shaker buildings in this 1890 photo, three remain in their original location.