In their more than two and a half centuries of existence, members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly known as Shakers, made ingenious contributions to diverse fields: agriculture, industry, medicine, music, furniture design, women’s rights, racial equality, craftsmanship, social and religious thought, and mechanical invention and improvement. Darryl Thompson explores some of these contributions in his lecture and shares some of his personal memories of the Canterbury Shakers.

Daryl Thompson has an M.A., American History, University of New Hampshire and was tour guide at Canterbury Shaker Village for over 30 years. Thompson studied historic plant varieties that were developed by Shakers in various villages throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. His father, Charles Thompson, co-founded Canterbury Shaker Village Museum with three Shaker sisters. Darryl lived among the Shakers for many years and served as a consultant to Ken Burns in his documentary film The Shakers: Hands to Work. Hearts to God.

This presentation was funded through the New Hampshire Humanities Council.  New Hampshire Humanities Council is a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This meeting is open to the public.  Refreshments will be provided.

A Farmington Historical Society business meeting will follow the presentation.

Learn More

The Shakers on PBS Ken Burns American Stories