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Hancock Shaker Village Review

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Hancock Shaker Village

Address: U.S. 20, 6 mi west of Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA | Map It
Phone: 413/443-0188; 800/817-1137
www.hancockshakervillage.org

Category: Museum Village
Location: Pittsfield

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Fodor's Review:

The third Shaker community in America, Hancock was founded in the 1790s. At its peak in the 1840s, the village had almost 300 inhabitants, who made their living farming, selling seeds and herbs, making medicines, and producing crafts. The religious community officially closed in 1960, its 170-year life span a small miracle considering its population's vows of celibacy (they took in orphans to maintain their constituency). Many examples of Shaker ingenuity are visible at Hancock today: the Round Stone Barn and the Laundry and Machine Shop are two of the most interesting buildings. Also on site are a farm, some period gardens, a museum shop with reproduction Shaker furniture, a picnic area, and a café.

Cost: $15, $12.50 in winter
Open: Late May-late Oct., daily 10-5 for self-guided tours; late Oct.-late May, daily 10-3 for guided tours

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