CANTERBURY SHAKER VILLAGE
The Year of the Shaker Woman
B y L a u r a M a r s
MOTHER ANN LEE ’ S MISSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LIVES ON
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Shakers , a Christian sect that broke from the English Quakers in 1747 . Celebrations will be held far and wide for founder Mother Ann Lee , the charismatic leader who , with eight other Believers , arrived in New York City in 1774 to escape religious persecution . Driven by poverty in her hometown of Manchester , England , widespread food riots , and an unwanted marriage , Mother Ann advocated for religious freedom , social justice , and the Shakers ’ “ separate but equal ” lifestyle .
Considered by some to be America ’ s first feminist , Mother Ann died at age 48 . Today ’ s wisdom points to leukemia as the cause , but certainly the physical and mental abuse she suffered as a woman who was believed to be the female Christ incarnate , who led with exuberant abandon , and who advocated celibacy and the destruction of marriage , weakened her mind and body to a breaking point .
Today , the Shaker story resonates in a way that Mother Ann could never have imagined . What the Shakers believed in 1774 are perhaps ideals that we are still trying to attain in 2024 : gender equality , freedom of religion , and a slower , simpler life .
The Shaker legacy is further recognized this year when the U . S . Postal Service unveils 12 collectible stamps at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield on June 20 . The stamps will show Shaker workmanship in various forms . The Shakers viewed all work as a form of worship and aspired to create heaven on Earth . “ Do all your work as though you had a thousand years to live ,” urged Mother Ann , “ and as you would if you knew you must die tomorrow .”
38 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Spring 2024