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The Shaker utopian society was a successful and prominent religious utopian society. Originally, their founding members were part of the Quakers, which started in Manchester, England in the 17th century. The Shakers came to America and built a small community in Watervliet, New York. Eventually growing, like other Utopian societies founded in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Shakers believed it was possible to form a more perfect society than the society they lived in at the time. Eventually, there were 19 Shaker communities in the Northeast, Ohio, and Kentucky. The Shakers were innovators and pioneers; they created unique architecture, built furniture, as well as invented many household items that are still used today, like the broom. The Shakers practiced communal living, where all property was shared. They also believed in gender equality and didn't believe in gender roles. The Shaker's wanted to recreate heaven on earth, they were celibate, pacifists, and established a secure and religious home life. Since they were celibate, they didnt procreate. Shaker's relied on orphan adoption to grow their societies.

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The Shaker's practicing their "Ecstatic" dances and movements. Picture from Britannica

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The Shakers name is derived from the “ecstatic” way of their worship, which included dancing, shaking, and speaking in tongues. They would partake in these movements when they believed they were in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

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This map shows the many locations of the Shakers, as well as other utopian societies of the time.

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Diagram of the south part of Shaker Village, Canterbury, NH, Peter Foster, 1849. Image taken from "The Cartography of the Shaker's" 

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The Shakers loved to create maps and document their small but vibrant villages. As with music and architecture, mapmaking is another expression of Shaker pride in their communities and traditions.

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The Shakers made practical and simple furniture with a distinct look. Shaker furniture is still made and used to this day in many houses around the country. Their style was unique and extremely influential.

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A Shaker wash mill. Image from "https://shakerml.wordpress.com/"

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Shaker communities were known for their manufactured goods. They were incredible innovators and have influenced many aspects of life. They invented metal pen nibs, the flat broom, a prototype washing machine called a wash mill, the circular saw, waterproof and wrinkle-free cloth, a metal chimney cap that blocked rain, and improved on the plow.

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This video is a great short film that really brings the shakers to life and highlights their focus on efficiency as well as their communal life.