Shaker Museum at South Union facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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South Union Shakertown Historic District
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Front of the main dwelling house
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | KY 73 at Louisville and Nashville RR tracks, and jct. of U.S. 68, South Union, Kentucky |
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| Area | 9.5 acres (3.8 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000796 |
| Added to NRHP | April 03, 1975 |
The Shaker Museum at South Union is a special place in Auburn, Kentucky. It teaches us about the Shakers, a unique religious group. This museum is located right where the Shakers once lived and worked.
The Shakers built their village here in 1807. They lived a simple life focused on community and hard work. The village eventually closed in 1922. Today, the museum is in their old Centre Family dwelling. This large house, built in 1824, has 40 rooms. It is filled with original items that show how the Shakers lived.
This historic site is part of the South Union Shakertown Historic Trail. It is also listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. The museum is a non-profit group. Its main goal is to keep the Shaker story and their way of life alive for everyone to learn from.
Contents
Discovering Shaker Life
The Shakers were a religious group that came to America in the 1700s. They believed in living a simple, peaceful life. They were known for their strong faith and their amazing craftsmanship. Shakers made beautiful furniture, tools, and textiles. Everything they created was both useful and well-made.
Who Were the Shakers?
Shakers lived in communities, separate from other towns. They shared everything they owned. Men and women lived in separate areas but worked together. They believed in equality and peace. Their communities were very organized and focused on hard work.
A Day in the Shaker Village
Life in a Shaker village was busy. Everyone had a job to do. Some worked in the fields, growing food. Others made crafts like baskets or brooms. They were also known for their farming skills. Shakers were very inventive. They often found new ways to make tasks easier. Their inventions helped their communities thrive.
Shaker Craftsmanship and Inventions
Shakers were famous for their simple, elegant designs. Their furniture is still admired today. They also invented many useful things. These included flat brooms and circular saws. Their focus was always on making things practical and durable. This dedication shows in all their surviving artifacts.
The South Union Village Story
The South Union Shaker Village was one of many Shaker communities. It was founded in Kentucky in 1807. The Shakers here built many buildings. They created a self-sufficient community. This means they grew their own food and made their own goods.
Building a Community
The Shakers at South Union worked hard to build their village. They constructed homes, workshops, and barns. The community grew and prospered for many years. They traded their handmade goods with people outside the village. This helped them get things they couldn't make themselves.
Life in the Centre House
The Centre Family dwelling was a very important building. It was built in 1824. This large house was home to many Shakers. It had rooms for sleeping, eating, and working. Today, this building is the heart of the museum. It helps visitors imagine what life was like there.
What You Can See Today
Inside the Centre House, you will find many original Shaker items. There are pieces of furniture, tools, and clothing. Each item tells a part of the Shaker story. You can see how they lived, worked, and worshipped. The museum helps bring their history to life.
Preserving History for Tomorrow
The Shaker Museum at South Union works hard to protect this history. It is a non-profit organization. This means it relies on visitors and donations. Their mission is to educate people about the Shakers. They want future generations to understand this unique culture.
A National Treasure
The South Union Shakertown Historic District is very important. It is recognized nationally for its history. Being on the National Register of Historic Places means it's a special site. It helps us remember the Shakers' contributions to American history and culture. Visiting the museum is a great way to connect with the past.
