The Friends of the Shakers, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1974 to assist the Shaker Community and Shaker Museum at Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, Maine. The Friends of the Shakers contributes to Shaker Village through direct donations, fund-raising for restoration and maintenance of the historic village buildings, and volunteering at the village on annual spring and fall work days.

Each August, Friends travel to Maine from all over the world to meet at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village for Friends Weekend. On Saturday, unique workshops on Shaker life, history, music, and crafts are presented, along with special walking tours of the Village grounds. Friends enjoy seeing the newest museum exhibits. It’s an opportunity for people with a shared interest in the Shakers and all aspects of Shakerism to meet and get to know one another, or to renew friendships. For many, Friends Weekend is a time for renewal of the spirit as well as a chance to share in the community’s heritage.

All Friends of the Shakers Members Receive:

• Free, unlimited admission to Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum’s guided tours.
• The Friends of the Shakers newsletter, The Clarion, which keeps members up-to-date on Friends of the Shakers projects and Sabbathday Lake Village Museum and Library happenings. The Shaker Community’s Home Notes are exclusively available in The Clarion.
• An invitation to the annual Friends Weekend held at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village each August.
• A $5 discount on Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum summer workshop fees.

To find out more and to become a member, visit friendsoftheshakers.org