Added Sparkle in a Traditional Shaker Holiday Setting
Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Mass., is lit up for the holiday season. Photo by Hancock Shaker Village

Added Sparkle in a Traditional Shaker Holiday Setting

There’s something about the simplicity of Shaker design and  traditions that seems perfectly in keeping with ideas of an old-fashioned holiday season.

Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Mass., is a museum, a working farm and the oldest Shaker village in New England. Ironically, perhaps, this year they are stepping away from the more muted Shaker traditions of days gone by and adding some sparkle and pizzazz.

But perhaps this is just the incentive we all need to travel to Pittsfield, Mass., to see the 19th-century  enclave, with its famous round barn.

In addition to the gloriously simple furniture and buildings, this holiday season there will “art light projections” throughout the festively festooned grounds.

Visitors can peek at the donkeys, sheep and other animals (most of which will be dozing off by the time the light show begins). There will also be a show of never-before-seen Shaker miniatures.

There will be an outdoor firepit, and adult cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Hancock Holiday Nights runs Dec. 12 and 16 through 19, and Dec. 27 through 29. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-18, and free for 5 and under. Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required.  (Tickets are not required for children ages 2 and younger.)  Entrance to the Village is ticketed in 15-minute increments between 5 and 8 p.m. Find out more at www.hancockshakervillage.org.

Latest News

From research to recognition: Student project honors pioneering Black landowner

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.

Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Waterbury, to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.

Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Town of Salisbury

Board of Finance

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less