This Tiny, Isolated Maine Village Is One Of The Last Of Its Kind
By Michelle|Published January 02, 2018
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Maine is full of history and one of our favorite things is uncovering the smaller, lesser known bits of state stories that people often overlook. Of course, there are the stories we all grow up hearing – about ship building, potatoes and lumber. But, there’s more to Maine than just that. This Shaker village in Maine is a great example of some of the beautiful history that exists here in Vacationland.
Maine has the only active Shaker village in the world.
The original community had just five farming families, but after being settled it took under a year for nearly two hundred people to flock here and set up their homes.
In 1794, the group became an official community after building a place for public worship. The creation of this Meeting House is what made them an official community.
Sabbathday Lake was one of the smallest and poorest of the Shaker communities in the east.
Today, the Village continues to be a place where Shakers live, work, and pray.
It includes 17 historic structures, which date from the 1780s through the 1950s, located on 1,800 acres of farm and forest land.
The Shaker's Guiding Principle, first expressed by Shaker leader Mother Ann Lee about 230 years ago is: "Put your hands to work, and give your hearts to God."
You might be surprised to learn that there are many other things that they're adept at. Their legacy includes achievements in social reform, agriculture, technology, and innovation.
Visitors are encouraged to take part in traditional craft workshops, concerts, educational programs, membership support groups, and even Sunday worship services.
You can visit them at 707 Shaker Road in New Gloucester. For more information about the history of the Sabbathday Shakers and how to visit, you can find them online by clicking here. Or, simply give the at call at (207) 926-4597.
Growing up in Maine is unlike anything else. Want proof? Check out these 13 reasons why we think it’s the best!
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