The Campaign for Shaker Village
In 1805, a small group of Shakers came to central Kentucky and established a remarkable community that came to be called Pleasant Hill. Over one hundred years later, with no Shakers remaining at Pleasant Hill, the Village they founded and called home was on the verge to being lost to history.
In 1961, an impassioned group of private citizens of Kentucky worked to restore the Village and open it to the public. Their forward thinking actions, collective hard work and sacrificial financial support preserved Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill for future generations.
The cultural landscape created by the Shakers at Pleasant Hill is their most enduring legacy, and now it is our responsibility to preserve it and pass it on to future generations.
Realizing this vision requires significant funding, Shaker Village’s Board of Trustees has embarked on a multi-faceted campaign to raise $25 million with the goal of becoming Kentucky’s premier historic travel destination.
Celebrating Success: Phase 1
A New Endowment Fund for the Future of Shaker Village
A new donor-restricted endowment fund has been established, based on a generous challenge grant from an anonymous donor.
This $2 million grant toward Shaker Village’s endowment was matched by $4 million in contributions raised by the Board of Trustees prior to December 31, 2017.
This ambitious effort has resulted in over $6.2 million, substantially increasing Shaker Village’s total endowment and providing greater financial security for Shaker Village’s long term future.
Over $6.1 Million in Building Restoration Recently Completed!
1824 Centre Family Dwelling + 1820 Meeting House
Restoration of the most iconic historic buildings at Shaker Village, the 1824 Centre Family Dwelling and the 1820 Meeting House, was made possible by a $5.1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. and an additional state grant.
1815 Carpenter Shop Welcome Center
The 1815 Carpenter's Shop has been restored and now serves as the Welcome Center for visitors to Shaker Village. This project was made possible by a generous grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation.
1833 Water House
The 1833 Water House is currently being restored, and has been re-opened to the public, thanks to the generous support of Margie and Allen Schubert, the Sam Schubert Foundation, the Ron & Kay Walker family, the Bill & Carter Lee Family and Brady & Zane Carruth.
Continuing Our Investment: Phase 2
As Shaker Village embarks on Phase 2 of our Campaign, with a $12 million goal, our primary focus is in three specific areas.
Growing the endowment
Our goal is to continue to grow Shaker Village’s endowment to ensure the long-term preservation of Shaker Village’s cultural landscape, including its 34 historic structures, 3,000 acres of land and collection of over 7,000 artifacts plus archival material.
All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows. Federal ID #61-0592561
Education
Learning about the Shakers of Pleasant Hill does not only educate us about this small, religious community. This historic site provides the opportunity to learn of the common threads among all communities. The history of Pleasant Hill is a story that belongs to, and is a part of us all.
Current Funding Priorities:
- New Interpretive Exhibits Across the Village
Preservation
Restoration of additional, irreplaceable historic buildings enables Shaker Village to offer upgraded hospitality services and an enhanced visitor experience.
Current Funding Priorities:
- 1809 Farm Deacon’s Shop
- 1825 East Family Wash House
- 1824 Tanyard
- 1813 Old Ministry’s Shop
- 1817 Cooper’s Shop
- 1845 East Family Brethren’s Shop
- 1839 Trustees’ Office
Real Work Happens Here
We are a Village at Work!
Interpreters educate children and adults. Farmers and chefs build healthy foodscapes. Naturalists restore rare wildlife habitats. Craftsmen preserve irreplaceable architecture. Archivists care for priceless collections.
Visit the links below to find out more about the great work that happens here!
