The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing were known to “the world” as Shakers.

A small religious sect that came to America from England in the late 18th century to escape religious persecution, they were led by a woman, Ann Lee, whom they believed was the second coming of Jesus Christ. The first settlement was in Watervliet, NY and later on 18 more communities were formed mostly in the East, but extending as far west as Kentucky and Ohio.

By the mid-19th century, there were approximately 6,000 men and women who lived as Believers, practicing celibacy, pacifism, equality of the sexes and living as simple a life as possible, putting their “Hands to work and hearts to God”.

While their spirituality was of high importance, in order to remain self-sufficieny they farmed their land and produced goods for sale to the outside world as a form of income. They were known for high quality garden seeds, Read more