Founded by English mystic Mother Ann Lee, the Shakers formed small, thriving villages based upon principles of equality and compassion. A celibate community, their worship was infused with music and dance. Like other social and religious experiments of their day, the Believers were seeking to create Heaven on Earth. To what extent did they succeed?

*This tour will cover approximately half a mile with some uneven terrain, with little to no incline.

More about Ann Sayers

Ann Sayers is a long-time volunteer at the Shaker Heritage Society. Over the decades, she has grown a deep interest in the history of the Watervliet “Believers,” as the Shakers called themselves. Her research has resulted in several published articles, as well as in her book, “Their Name is Wicks…”