Shaker Village holds more than 4,000 three dimensional objects and well over 5,000 library and archival items in its collection.
Collections and Archives
The Collection at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill documents the long history of Pleasant Hill, both during and after the Shaker era. Buildings, furniture, textiles, tools, personal items, journals, correspondence and photos all reveal what life was once like at Pleasant Hill and provide great insights into how Shaker history is relevant to us today.
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Research Library also contains many valuable resources including microfilm, books, periodicals and photocopies of primary sources.
Read more about the history of the Shakers and this village.
View the calendar to find upcoming Collections and Archives programming.
If you have questions about The Collection, please call 859.734.1559 or email us. Collections staff are generally available Monday-Friday,
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Research Services
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is currently accepting research applications. Researchers may use the Research Library upon establishing a legitimate research need and identifying specific materials for consultation within the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Collections and/or Archive.
To apply, first search our online catalog via PastPerfect Online. Then fill out our online application and select the material you wish to access. One of our staff members will contact you with more information regarding Library access.
Research appointments are generally available Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We appreciate receiving applications as far in advance as possible. Due to staffing constraints, we are not always available to host researchers.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is unable to provide comprehensive research assistance for most external inquiries. Please email us to discuss remote research options and costs.
Questions? Please call 859.734.1559 or email us.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT
Certain items in the SVPH Collections and Archives are under copyright. Researchers are responsible for contacting copyright holder(s) to obtain permission for use of materials SVPH does not hold copyright of. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill assumes no responsibility for clearing any rights for researchers to use materials in publications or projects.
Researchers must submit a completed Application for Permission to Publish to use images of Shaker Village of Pleasant objects and/or archival materials in publications or projects.
Researchers should cite materials as “Courtesy of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What resources are available to the public?
The Collections and Archives Facility provides intentional researchers access to resources including journals, hymnals, ledgers, photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, microfilm and microfiche, books, periodicals and reference files. Rare books, special collections, archives, reference material, 3-dimensional objects and textiles are available to be consulted exclusively within the Research Library in agreement with handling and security policies. Researchers should be aware that portions of the collection have restricted or limited access due to the physical, legal or contractual condition of the materials.
Why do I need an appointment to access resources in the Research Library? I’m already onsite, why can’t I just drop in?
The Research Library is located within the Collections and Archives Facility, an area of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill that is not open to the public because it houses rare, fragile, and irreplaceable artifacts and archival materials. Any researcher using the Facility must be supervised by a staff member to ensure the security and preservation of our collection. Due to staffing constraints, we do our best to accommodate legitimate research requests, but we are not always available to host researchers.
It’s a library, why can’t I check items out?
The Research Library is not a public library, and many items are irreplaceable, regulated and non-circulating. Because we hold a single or unique copy some items which would be costly or impossible to repair or replace, it’s imperative that items from The Collection do not circulate so they can be properly preserved to ensure their accessibility for future generations of researchers.
I can’t travel for an onsite visit. Can you still help me find what I’m looking for?
While staff are unable to provide comprehensive research assistance for external inquiries, we are always happy to answer questions and discuss research options.
Is the collection available to search and view online?
Currently, our object and archival collections are available for searching via PastPerfect Online. Records are continually updated with additional information and new photos, so check back frequently to view more of our collection.
Are you adding to the collections?
Yes. We gladly encourage prospective donors to contact us.
