Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Symposium on American Religious History

Date: June 26, 2026 - June 27, 2026
Time: 8:07 am  to  6:07 pm

Shaker Village Symposium on American Religious History

Friday, June 26 – Saturday, June 27, 2026
Aerial

Presenting Sponsor:
The symposium is generously sponsored by Stephen Gray and Lisa Gumm-Gray.

Sponsor:
This project is supported with funding from the Kentucky Historical Society. For more information, see history.ky.gov.

In conjunction with America’s 250th, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is hosting the inaugural Shaker Village Symposium on American Religious History. This two-day symposium convenes nationally recognized scholars to explore how religious belief has shaped American history, civic life, and ideas of freedom, equality and pluralism—from the founding era to the present. Scroll below to meet the presenters and to view the Saturday order of events.

Tickets Available now

Questions? Call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected] for more information. Shaker Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Meet the Nationally Recognized Scholars Joining the Symposium

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Sarah Barringer Gordon, Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History,
University of Pennsylvania
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Christine Heyrman, Robert W. and Shirley P. Grimble Professor of American History, University of Delaware
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Stephen Marini, Elisabeth Luce Moore Professor of Christian Studies & Professor of Religious Studies, Wellesley College
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Mark Valeri, Reverend Priscilla Wood Neaves Distinguished Professor of Religion and Politics & Director of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics; Washington University in St. Louis
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Douglas Winiarski, Professor of Religion & American Studies, University of Richmond
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Sally Promey, Caroline Washburn Professor of Religion and Visual Culture, Yale University
Leigh Schmidt Headshot Resized
Leigh Schmidt, Edward C. Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor in the Humanities, Washington
University in St. Louis
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Tisa Wenger, Professor of American Religious History, Yale University

Order of Events | Saturday, June 27

9:00-10:00 A.M. | 1842 West Family Wash House
Dr. Sally Promey, “America By Design”

9:00-10:00 A.M. | 1820 Meeting House
Dr. Doug Winiarski, “Shakerism & the Limits of Religious Freedom”

10:30-11:30 A.M. | 1842 West Family Wash House
Mr. Mark Valeri, “The Sacred Cause of 1776: Religion and the American Revolution”

10:30-11:30 A.M. | 1820 Meeting House
Dr. Stephen Marini, “Where Do Our Hymns Come From?" – Sacred Song in American Religious History?”

1:30-2:30 P. M. | 1842 West Family Wash House
Dr. Sarah Barringer Gordon

1:30-2:30 P.M. | 1820 Meeting House
Dr. Christine Heyrman, “The Sisterhood Was Powerful: Shakers’ Challenge to Evangelicals the Early National South”

3:00-4:00 P.M. | 1842 West Family Wash House
Dr. Tisa Wenger, “Spirits of Empire: Native Americans, the Revolution, and American Religion”

3:00-4:00 P.M. | 1820 Meeting House
Scholars’ Roundtable

5:00-6:00 P.M. | Meadow View Barn | Keynote Lecture
Dr. Leigh Schmidt, “A Secular Republic?  Religion, Irreligion, and the Nation’s Founding”

Explorer Summer Camp Open House

Date: May 30, 2026
Time: 10:07 am  to  11:07 am

2026 Explorer Summer Camp: Open House

Saturday | May 30 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
5 May and June - Explorer Summer Camp Open House

Join us for an open house about this summer’s upcoming Explorer Camp. Bring your questions and get a sneak peek of the locations where campers will spend their time.

Summer camp can be one of the most valuable experiences in a child’s life. Explorer Camp and Shaker Village's summer programs for teens allow your children to learn new skills and make friends at one of the most spectacular National Historic Landmarks in the world.

Learn more about Explorer Summer Camp

Learn more about Teen Service Leadership

Camp Open Houses meet at the Welcome Pavilion just outside the Shaker Village Welcome Center. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the Open House. Call 859.734.1544 with any questions.

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Firefly Hike

Date: July 18, 2026
Time: 8:30 pm  to  10:00 pm

2026 Firefly Hike

Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Firefly, Lightning bugs, hike, night hike
ホタルの光

Fireflies are an iconic part of warm summer nights at Shaker Village. Join us for a twilight hike through some of the less-traveled portions of Pleasant Hill's Preserve as we enjoy a spectacular show from nature's fireworks. We'll also discuss some common "lightning bug" misconceptions and separate fact from fiction.

General Admission: $25

Members receive a 20% discount.
Become a Member today.

register now

This hike will take place outdoors, rain or shine. Participants will traverse gravel, grass, and dirt pathways on a 3.0+ mile loop along Shaker Village's trails. Participants should be comfortable walking in low light/semi-dark conditions. Participants may wish to bring a flashlight/headlamp, insect repellant and water.

The Firefly Hike is intended for ages 16+. Tickets required for all hike attendees. Dogs are not permitted.

Registered attendees who book an overnight stay at The Inn receive a 30% discount, applied at checkout. (Overnight stay must be for the date immediately preceding or succeeding the program. Discount applies to one night. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Questions? Call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected] for more information.

Watercolor Painting: Summer at Pleasant Hill

Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 10:07 am  to  4:07 pm

2026 Watercolor Painting: Summer at Pleasant Hill

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Charles Jolly Summer

Acclaimed watercolorist Charley Jolly began painting more than 45 years ago. His passion for watercolor and love for his subjects have guided him to becoming a master at his craft. Charley delights in teaching students of all levels - from beginners exploring watercolor for the first time to returning students wishing to hone their skills while painting in a welcoming group environment.

Summer is a wonderful season to paint the natural and cultural resources of Pleasant Hill. Whether participants are interested in painting Shaker buildings or the bucolic landscapes of the surrounding farm and nature preserve, there's something sure to catch the eye during this watercolor workshop.

Interested in additional watercolor workshops? Join us for Rock Walls & Rock Houses.

General Admission: $155

Members receive a 20% discount.
Become a Member today.

Register Now

No watercolor experience necessary, but guests should be aware that this workshop involves acuity, fine-motor control, and the ability to hold and use painting tools. All necessary tools and materials are provided.

This workshop is intended for participants aged 18+. Tickets required for all attendees.  

Program fee includes one complimentary admission to Shaker Village and one voucher for 20% off dining at The Trustees’ Table (excluding alcoholic beverages). Dining reservation recommended: call 859.734.5411.

Registered attendees who book an overnight stay at The Inn receive a 30% discount, applied at checkout. (Overnight stay must be for the date immediately preceding or succeeding the program. Discount applies to one night. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Questions? Call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected] for more information.

Watercolor Painting: Rock Walls & Rock Houses

Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 10:07 am  to  4:07 pm

2026 Watercolor Painting: Rock Walls & Rock Houses

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Charles Jolly Walls

Acclaimed watercolorist Charley Jolly began painting more than 45 years ago. His passion for watercolor and love for his subjects have guided him to becoming a master at his craft. Charley delights in teaching students of all levels - from beginners exploring watercolor for the first time to returning students wishing to hone their skills while painting in a welcoming group environment.

Limestone was a key resource for the Pleasant Hill Shakers - from the miles of rock fences that bisect the landscape to the many buildings that they constructed from carefully hewn blocks of stone. These rock features will take center stage for a special watercolor workshop dedicated to exploring this essential Kentucky building material.

General Admission: $155

Members receive a 20% discount.
Become a Member today.

register now

No watercolor experience necessary, but guests should be aware that this workshop involves acuity, fine-motor control, and the ability to hold and use painting tools. All necessary tools and materials are provided.

This workshop is intended for participants aged 18+. Tickets required for all attendees.  

Program fee includes one complimentary admission to Shaker Village and one voucher for 20% off dining at The Trustees’ Table (excluding alcoholic beverages). Dining reservation recommended: call 859.734.5411.

Registered attendees who book an overnight stay at The Inn receive a 30% discount, applied at checkout. (Overnight stay must be for the date immediately preceding or succeeding the program. Discount applies to one night. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Questions? Call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected] for more information.

Watercolor Painting: Winter Trees

Date: March 21, 2026 - March 22, 2026
Time: 10:07 am  to  3:07 pm

2026 Watercolor Painting: Winter Trees

March 21 - March 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Charles Jolly Winter Trees 1
Charles Jolly Winter Trees 2

Acclaimed watercolorist Charley Jolly began painting more than 45 years ago. His passion for watercolor and love for his subjects have guided him to becoming a master at his craft. Charley delights in teaching students of all levels - from beginners exploring watercolor for the first time to returning students wishing to hone their skills while painting in a welcoming group environment.

During this special, two-day workshop, participants will have the time to delve deeply into the art of painting trees. Early spring, when Kentucky's trees are still bare of leaves, is the perfect time to explore the limbs, branches and trunks of the trees that are all around us. The distinctive spirit and the gesturing forms of trees can make them a particularly complex subject to paint with watercolors. Participants will learn to first draw, and then paint, these elegant and challenging features, while also making time to enjoy a peaceful interlude at Shaker Village.

Interested in additional watercolor workshops? Join us for Summer at Pleasant Hill and Rock Walls & Rock Houses.

General Admission: $295

Annual Passholders receive a 20% discount. Become an
Annual Passholder today.

Sold Out

No watercolor experience necessary, but guests should be aware that this workshop involves acuity, fine-motor control, and the ability to hold and use painting tools. All necessary tools and materials are provided.

This workshop is intended for participants aged 18+. Tickets required for all attendees.  

Program fee includes a boxed lunch on Saturday and Sunday, one complimentary admission to Shaker Village and one voucher for 20% off dining at The Trustees’ Table (excluding alcoholic beverages). Dining reservation recommended: call 859.734.5411.

Registered attendees who book an overnight stay at The Inn receive a 30% discount, applied at checkout. (Overnight stay must be for the date immediately preceding or succeeding the program. Discount applies to one night. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Questions? Call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected] for more information.

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