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In the Begininning
In 1774, Mother Ann Lee made a monumental decision to leave for America for freedom and work. -
Life in America
The small group of Shakers purchased land and settled in Watervliet, New York. -
Hancock joins Shakers
Hancock was the third of what would eventually number nineteen major Shaker communities established between 1783 and 1836 in New York, New England, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. -
Mother Ann passes away
On 1784, Mother Ann passes away and her early disciple, Father James Whittaker took her place. -
Father James Passes away
When Father James passed away in 1787, Elder Joseph Meacham took Father James' place as the first American-born leader. -
Spreading Shakerism
Elder Joseph soon appointed another American-born convert, Mother Lucy Wright, to be his co-leader, and together they worked to gather the scattered groups of Brethren and Sisters into an expanding network of communal villages of Believers. -
Reaching its peak
The Shaker population reached its peak in the mid-19th century, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Shakers. Today, the Shaker community remains active at Sabbathday Lake in Maine. -
How many are left today
There are only 12 Shakers still alive living in Canterbury, New Hampshire, and Sabbathday Lake, Maine.