While Ethel Hudson, the last sister in residence at Canterbury Shaker Village, passed away in 1992, the Shaker legacy may never be more relevant than it is today.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded $24,000 to Canterbury Shaker Village to develop a humanities-based program of historic site interpretation that connects Shaker tenets and history to contemporary human rights and social justice issues.

By spring, staff at Canterbury Shaker Village expect to complete restoration of the Schoolhouse (c. 1823/63), a project made possible through key financial contributions, including a $10,000 grant from Daughters of the American Revolution. Begun in 2021, the multi-year project has included a new roof, repair and partial replacement of deteriorated clapboards, gutters, rainwater leaders, and other exterior features, along with repainting and restoration of 26 windows.

Canterbury Shaker Village has received two challenge gifts that will each match up to $5,000 in donations to its Annual Fund appeal from new donors. Matches from new donors will be capped at $500 per individual contribution.

On Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:00 p.m., Symphony NH String Quartet will perform at Canterbury Shaker Village as part of Concert & Cocktails.

A themed evening, Concert & Cocktails concludes with a reception featuring appetizers by Lacey Tokash Catering and a Hot Bourbon signature drink by Cold Garden Distillery in the Village’s Hubbard Gallery at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 and seating is limited for this special performance.

Every year, Canterbury Shaker Village engages in an Annual Fund Campaign to not just raise needed funds, but remind people of the importance of Shaker history. “The Shakers were real people,” said Maryevelyn Monty Pilotte, tour guide at the Village. “They contributed to the betterment of the world outside their communities.”