The Village is a treasure trove of unique educational experiences. It offers diverse educational programs and field trips for students interested in history, social studies, ecology, and hands-on learning. This historic 750-acre site allows students to explore over 20 historic buildings, along with working farm spaces that showcase Shaker life and practices. Students can experience immersive activities such as traditional crafts, gardening, and animal husbandry, gaining insights into the Shakers’ unique communal lifestyle and sustainable farming techniques, making it ideal for lessons in both historical and environmental education.
One of the key features for visiting student groups at Hancock Shaker Village is the Discovery Room. This room provides interactive exhibits where students can try on Shaker clothing, weave, or experiment with period artifacts. The field trip programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering both guided and self-guided tours. This allows teachers to choose the format that best suits their curriculum, ensuring that the trip is as educational and engaging as possible. Seasonal programs further enrich the experience, bringing in additional educational themes like maple sugaring in spring and harvest activities in fall, which can enhance lessons in ecology and local history.
The village emphasizes hands-on learning with activities focused on the arts, woodworking, and architecture, reflecting the Shakers’ legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. Students can also engage in Shaker-inspired workshops that encourage problem-solving and creative expression. With its diverse range of educational programs, Hancock Shaker Village is an engaging field trip destination that enriches lessons in a broad range of academic subjects.
