Enfield Shaker Museum

R K Lee

2024-04

We honestly knew little about Shakerism previously. The visit to the Enfield Shaker Museum was a spontaneous decision as we were just driving around a small portion of New Hampshire and Vermont. Although we did not have any idea what to expect, we found the Enfield Shaker complex to be a highly interesting and informative historical site. The original Great Stone Dwelling houses the museum's store and was the focal point of our private tour. Our guide was quite knowledgeable but much was left to an introductory video and many sets of old photos posted along the tour route. Unfortunately, the impressive Mary Keane Chapel was not accessible due to a wedding. Unless you have an interest in this Protestant Christian sect which practiced celibacy, pacifism and equality of the sexes and races or just want to expand your worldly knowledge, the Enfield Shaker Museum is probably not a destination attraction.

Brian McGarry

2023-08

I stopped here on a whim with my family as we were traveling. Not knowing what to expect, we were honestly blown away by this experience. The Shaker's are a fascinating group to learn about and their craftsmanship is top notch. The tour lasted 1.5 hours and the guide was genuinely knowledgeable and passionate.This museum is also a Blue Star Museum which means military families are free for entry.

Otis otis

2023-06

We were on a road trip… And by happenstance came upon this museum… We just dropped in without planning, and we had a wonderful visit… The guide, who did a tour with us, Mrs. Torres, was incredibly knowledgeable, and was a great tour guide… Very personable and attentive to our questions… What Are most about this place was the structures and the store… Or gift shop… With many products… Very competitive pricing… The staff were very cordial and polite… It’s a wonderful place to visit… It really is an interesting place, because it shows you the great diversity of this great country… For all groups, no matter what… Who came here… To practice their faith… Or just to be free… It’s a wonderful experience… I must say that visiting this place was very insightful… It’s a place that I would definitely come back to you if I ever come this way again. If you visit… Inquire about Mrs. Torres… She’s a great volunteer…

Courtney Jane Brown

2023-10

Darling and well done festival of Shaker life this last Saturday. The kids enjoyed all the old-timey activities and I really enjoyed the fiber arts tent especially! I really learned a lot from the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. There was mask making, weaving, vine crown making, candle making, broom making, apple cider making, wagon rides, dinkeys & goats to pet, a sheepdog seminar, too. I'm not even listing it all! Amazing work by the volunteers truly.

Marissa Amerman

2023-08

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Barbara Ho

2023-05

We learned a lot on the tour of the main building. The guide was very knowledgeable and could answer any questions we put to her. She was clearly very experienced. We toured the main building with her and then were let loose to explore the rest of the grounds ourselves. It would have been nice if the open buildings were marked on the map. We did meet up with a gentleman who was constructing brooms as the Shakers had, it was very educational.Both my husband and I enjoyed the tour. The only place we did not spend enough time in was the gift shop, but we live close enough that we will be back for that.

Stephanie Labanowski

2023-09

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Jeff Todd

2023-06

The main building on this property is quite impressive. The tour though long was good. The docent was very willing to answer questions and quite knowledgeable about the history.Price for entry: $14

Alicia Aguilera

2023-10

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Colin Earle

2022-05

Absolutely beautiful. The location and the building and breathtaking and inspiring. I’m so happy to have seen it and felt it. Loved the unfettered access to the history within the buildings and around the grounds. The only drawbacks are the slow Wifi, at least in our room, the uncomfortable (but not so difficult to sleep on) beds, and the lack of blinds on the windows. Would recommend the visit. And despite the discomforts, I would too recommend staying the night in such a historic and remarkable building.

Olumuyiwa Okediran

2023-09

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Bill Kusmit

2023-11

A lovely place on beautiful Mascoma Lake. It's great just to walk around, especially in autumn.

Diana K

2023-05

Discovered this via Airbnb. Value was great, location convenient, room was exceptionally clean, amenities easily available for guests to take (towels, toiletries, extra bedding), complimentary coffee/tea, ample free parking, multiple USB ports, great water pressure. Only downside, quite noisy since it’s an old building. Windows were loud and rooms could use room darkening curtains. Would visit again.

Phil Trivilino

2020-05

Great museum of Shaker history. Buildings are being restored or restoration is complete. Gift shop was nice with lots of Shaker novelties. We had a tour guide that was great and explained a lot of the Shaker life style and customs. Also a garden of fresh herbs to pick from. The chapel was extraordinary. Wonderful stained glass windows and architecture.

Mary Bezon

2023-08

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Mary Cain

2020-05

I was 1 of 3 people touring. Except for the women in the gift shop I only encountered 1 employee who was marginally friendly. It was like a morgue- very quiet & kinda spooky. I loved that you can rent the upstairs bedrooms! [A Night in the Museum] if you dare.

Mary Aquilino

2017-05

We stopped by this museum on the ride home with our 13 and 15 year old sons. The experience with our wonderful tour guide Joe far exceeded our expectations. His knowledge and enthusiasm taught us a great deal. It was a great history lesson. Thank you!

Nancy Rosenthal

2019-05

The garden is magnificent. The museum staff are knowledgeable and rich with information to share. If time, hike in the hills and see the dam and culverts built 150 plus years ago. Mascoma lake is also great for a quick swim. It's all possible right in this one spot.

ronald chong

2018-05

excellent, informative guided tour of the museum. a nice contrast to the history and our visit a few days earlier to canterbury shaker village. we lucked out that the apple cider & cheese festival was on the same day and admission was included with the fee for the museum. fun time.

Health Enthusiast

2019-05

Great place. Good price. Incredibly unexpected gem. Historical buildings. Explanation of the religion, and why they vanished! (No intercourse!) They were not against progress and even have parents to plant corn, selling machines all around the US at that time!

Erin Farwell

2020-05

A wonderful overview of this facinating religious group. Very knowledgeable staff who provide great information about Shakers and can answer any questions. They display a wide range of artifacts and informational plaques that illustrate the daily lives of the people who lived in the village. The Catholic Church located next to the great stone house offer an interesting contrast of religious beliefs. My only wish was that there were more buildings to view.

Jennifer Meissen

2020-05

We came here for a Writer’s Retreat and spent 3 nights in the Great Stone Dwelling. It was the perfect spot for our get together - clean and well furnished. We would love to come back!

Heather Fieldings

2019-05

Wonderful museum to visit with an ever expanding exhibit section on local history and artifacts. Locals and tourists alike should definitely come by for a tour. Fasinating restoration work being completed on awestriking buildings with a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills, forest, and shimmering lakes. Workers are friendly, knowledgable, and eager to assist in any way they can.

Bob Anderson

2023-09

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Laura Clingman

2022-05

This is a wonderful place to visit, especially the church. Unfortunately, a number of the buildings are being renovated so were not open when I was there, but it's good to see the renovations being done. Definitely worth a visit.

Lynn Boucher

2023-05

I have done this tour before so I think some things were left off the tour. On the other hand, I did learn a couple of new things so it evened out ! My husband has never been and he enjoyed the tour .

Christine DeSimone

2022-05

What a beautiful destination when my best friend and I arrived at this Shaker Museum in Enfield ❤❤I highly highly recommend a visit. We visited via motorcycles!Beautiful country, wonderful staff, great gift shop. Just an absolute delight 🙏

Noël Figart

2018-05

As an amateur student of the 19th century communal living movements, being able to get a much closer looks at the Shakers and their life was a real treat. The tour guide was amazingly enthusiastic, and was willing to discuss in detail many aspects of Shaker culture, as well as being knowledgeable about how the culture evolved over the years. If you're a student of history, GO GO GO. It's worth it.

Mary Vanatta

2021-05

Another spot on the list shut down due to covid. But you can book private tours in advance. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option for us so we strolled the grounds with their self tour pamphlet. Very interesting place.

Nancy Rosenthal

2019-05

This museum has a staff that knows so much about the Shakers who inhabited this part of New Hampshire. One gets a real "feel" for the Shakers and third industrious nature after visiting this place. The garden is a delight as well, especially the lavender!