New Hampshire has some of the richest history you’ll find in New England. From crumbling old farm houses to stories passed down generation to generation, this history reveals how the Granite State came to be. One of the best places to see this history is at the only Shaker village in New Hampshire. A museum since 1992, the village has some of the best intact examples of Shaker life in America and offers a great way to spend a day.

Canterbury Shaker Village began in 1792 when followers of the founder, Mother Ann Lee, came to Canterbury to form a seventh community.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
The story of the Shakers starts in 18th-century England when dissidents from religions, including English Quakers and Methodists, formed their own religious group.

They often used ecstatic dance in their worship, leading them to become known as the United Society of Believers, as well as the Shaking Quakers. This is where the name Shakers comes from.
Member like Eldress Bertha Lindsey made this one of the most thriving Shaker communities in the area.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
The community remained here for over 200 years when, in 1992, it became a museum after the last Shaker living in the community passed away.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
The community was at its peak in the 1850s when a whopping 300 people called the village home, working in over 100 different buildings across 3,000 acres at Canterbury Shaker Village.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook

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Today the Canterbury Shaker Village offers an opportunity for visitors to see what life was life back when this community was 300 people strong.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
Most visitors take part in the Canterbury Shaker Story tour which introduces the Shakers providing an overview of the history and culture.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
There are a number of different tours ranging in length from an hour to 90 minutes, each one covering a different element of life here.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
There are also a number of events that take place throughout the year, as well as Shaker-inspired workshops.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
The regular season has just come to a close at the village, but you can still visit on weekends through the first weekend of December.
Canterbury Shaker Village / Facebook
Visitors can attend guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and then visit the Carriage House exhibit and Infirmary between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Museum Store is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 23rd.

Canterbury Shaker Village is located at 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury, New Hampshire. Check out their website, visit them on Facebook or give them a call on 603-783-9511.

For a different type of state history, check out the story of the oldest bar in New Hampshire.

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