Mount Lebanon Shaker Society refers to a historic communal society that was established in Mount Lebanon, New York during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Mount Lebanon Shaker Society was one of the most significant and enduring Shaker communities in the United States.
The Shakers were a religious group formed in the 18th century that believed in communal living, celibacy, gender equality, and mysticism. Mount Lebanon Shaker Society was founded in 1787 and quickly gained prominence within the Shaker movement. It served as the central administrative hub of the Shaker Northern Ministry, overseeing several affiliated Shaker communities throughout the United States.
The society's success was largely attributed to its skilled craftsmanship, particularly in furniture-making, textiles, and agriculture. The Shakers of Mount Lebanon were renowned for their high-quality, innovative designs, precision, and attention to detail. They produced a wide range of handcrafted products that were highly sought after and commercially successful.
In addition to their craftsmanship, the Mount Lebanon Shaker Society was known for its disciplined and structured communal life. Members of the society shared all aspects of their lives, including property, goods, and resources. They upheld a strict moral and religious code, which involved celibacy and an adherence to pacifism.
Over time, the Mount Lebanon Shaker Society faced challenges as societal changes and declining membership impacted the Shaker movement as a whole. The society gradually declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the last members of the Mount Lebanon community died in the 1940s.
Today, the legacy of the Mount Lebanon Shaker Society lives on through preserved buildings, artifacts, and the recognition of their significant contributions to American craftsmanship and communal living.
