Basic Basket Weaving: Kentucky Berry Basket

Date: July 26, 2025

Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

2025 Basic Basket Weaving: Kentucky Berry Basket

Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Shakers manufactured hundreds of baskets annually, from work baskets to miniature "fancywork" baskets that showed off their skill in working with delicate materials like ash, cane, and reed. In this workshop, we'll explore the diverse traditions of Kentucky and Shaker basketry, making our own swing-handled berry baskets. Using natural and smoked reed in contrasting stripes, this small project is the perfect introduction for beginners wanting to learn the fundamental techniques of basket making.

Annual Passholder: $110
General Admission: $120

No experience necessary. Guests should be aware that this workshop involves acuity, fine-motor control, grip strength, and upper-body strength. This workshop is intended for participants aged 18+.

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

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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

Cross Stitch Shaker Samplers

Date: March 15, 2025

Time: 1:00 am to 5:00 pm

2025 Cross Stitch Shaker Samplers

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 1-5:00 p.m.

Delve into needlework with a Shaker cross stitch sampler! Young women in the 19th century often stitched samplers as one of their first needlework projects, learning key sewing skills. We’ll discuss Shaker samplers broadly and then take a close look at some original Shaker samplers in the Shaker Village collection. Due to their fragility, these samplers are seldom on display – this is a rare opportunity to view them. Participants will then begin on their own samplers, working a reproduction of Shaker Village’s Elizabeth Spaulding/Mary Ann Ewing sampler.

All participants will receive a kit with all necessary materials (including embroidery hoop, needle, fabric, floss, and sampler chart). Two fabric choices will be offered: 32 count linen or 16 count Aida (fabric choice not guaranteed after February 15, 2025).

Annual Passholder: $80
General Admission: $90

Guests should have a basic understanding of cross stitch, other embroidery techniques, or sewing. Guests should be aware that this workshop involves visual acuity and fine motor control. This workshop is intended participants aged 16+, although younger participants may be admitted on a case by case basis. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.

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

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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

Writer’s Workshop

Date: February 27, 2025 - March 2, 2025

Time: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

2025 Writer's Workshop

Writing as Spiritual Practice

February 27-March 2, 2025 | Prose or Poetry Classes | $655

Experience a four-day workshop with award-winning Kentucky authors, Fenton Johnson and Maurice Manning. This intimate opportunity to develop your writing skills will include overnight accommodations, meals, breakout sessions and musical performances along with nature and curatorial experiences unique to Shaker Village.

The workshop will include two paths: Prose or Poetry, led by longtime friends Fenton Johnson (prose) and Maurice Manning (poetry). The pair met 15 years ago when Johnson’s sister said to him, “I hear there’s a poet who just moved into the neighborhood, would you like to meet him?” Johnson eagerly replied, “I’m always interested in meeting a poet.”

Attendees will focus on writing as a spiritual practice. The wounds of the world must be addressed by changing how people see ourselves in relation to the planet. That requires courage and more complete self-knowledge. Here we will turn our adventuring spirit within, to undertake an interior journey. Where better to undertake that journey than at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill?

Workshop Agenda

Prose Class

Poetry Class

Kentucky native Fenton Johnson is the author of three novels and four works of creative nonfiction, The Man who Loved Birds, At the Center of All Beauty: Solitude and the Creative Life, a New York Times Editors’ Pick and Kentucky Humanities Kentucky Reads Book of the Year, Scissors, Paper, Rock. He has been a contributor to National Public Radio, Harper’s Magazine, and the New York Times Magazine, and has received numerous literary awards. He has taught in the nation’s leading creative writing programs and is Emeritus Professor of the University of Arizona. He continues to lecture and teach nationally. In 2024 he was named to the Kentucky Writers Hall
of Fame.

Kentucky poet Maurice Manning's eighth book of poetry is Snakedoctor. His first book, Lawrence Booth's Book of Visions, was selected for the Yale Series of Younger Poets. His fourth book, The Common Man, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His poems have appeared in Ploughshares, Poetry, Time, and The New Yorker. He is the co-creator with Steve Cody, of The Grinnin' Possum Podcast, featuring poetry, old-time music, and history. A former Guggenheim fellow, Manning teaches at Transylvania University and lives on a small farm in Washington County.

The Writer's Workshop is Supported by and in Partnership with:

Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass

Date: May 23, 2025 - May 25, 2025

Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

2025 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass

May 23-25, 2025 | 17th Annual Event

5 May 24-26 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass

Join us for the 17th Annual Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass, a celebration of world-class music, history and culture, presented by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS). This exclusive event takes place in Shaker Village’s iconic Meadowview Barn, offering a unique blend of classical music and stunning views of Kentucky's rolling hills.

This year, CMS is thrilled to feature a living composer, David Ludwig, whose music will be performed during the festival. David, also the Dean of Music at The Juilliard School, will join us in person to perform on Sunday. This rare opportunity to hear a living composer’s work, along with his personal insights, makes this year’s festival even more exceptional.

Musical Performances

The festival features four concert performances throughout the weekend.

Concert I: Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m.
Concert II: Saturday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m.
Concert III: Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Concert IV: Sunday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m.

You can view the music selections for each concert here.

Complimentary Educational Lectures

In addition to the concerts, we offer two enriching lectures:

Educational Lecture I: Saturday, May 24 at 3:00 p.m.
Presented by Aaron Boyd of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Educational Lecture II: Sunday, May 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Presented by composer David Ludwig

Saturday Night Cocktail Party – New in 2025

On Saturday evening after the 5:00 p.m. concert, join us for an exclusive Cocktail Party. This add-on event is $49 per person and includes heavy appetizers and the chance to meet the artists in a more intimate setting.

Ticketing
Ticketing for the event is offered at two levels:

Festival Patron – packages and priority booking available now starting at $1,450 per person (see benefits below).
General Admission – Tickets, room and dining reservations open February 25, 2025. Tickets range from $48-$75 per person.

General Admission Tickets Available February 25

Patron Ticket Packages

Patron Packages

As a Patron, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to special events and enhanced experiences, including:

Private Concert: Enjoy a special performance just for patrons.
Exclusive Dining: Dine with the musicians at the Patron's Tent.
Reserved Seating: Secure your spot with reserved seating at all performances.
Complimentary Sunrise Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast under the tent at Trustees’ Lawn, including mimosas, Irish coffee, Bloody Marys, and a variety of hot and cold breakfast options, on both Saturday and Sunday.
Priority Access: Book at The Inn and Trustees’ Table when you purchase your Patron Package.

Supporting Shaker Village

The Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass is Shaker Village’s largest annual fundraiser. Your patronage makes this event possible and supports the vital work of preserving Shaker Village, stewarding our 3,000 acres of natural and cultural landscapes, and providing exceptional experiences for visitors of all ages.

We can’t wait to welcome you to this unforgettable weekend of music and culture!

Presented By:

Patron's Sponsor:

Patron's Lunch Sponsor:

Shaker Christmas by Candlelight

Starts December 15, 2024 then every Sunday until December 22, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

2024 Shaker Christmas by Candlelight

December 6, 13, 15, 20, 22 & 27 2024 | 5:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Did you know that the Shakers were some of the first Protestant Christians in America to celebrate Christmas? For nearly 200 years, the Shakers have observed Christmas as a day of great spiritual importance. Many of their traditions have evolved over time - from fasting and prayers in the late 1700s to festive decorations and scrumptious feasts in the early 1900s.

Join a Shaker Village interpreter for a candlelit stroll through the heart of Pleasant Hill, including several of our historic buildings decorated for the holidays. Together we'll trace the progression of the Shakers' beliefs and practices, gaining a deeper understanding of the history of Christmas celebrations in America.

Price:
Annual Passholder: $10
General Admission: $15

This program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. Guests should be comfortable walking and navigating stairs in low light/semi-dark conditions. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up. All minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.

For more information, call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected].

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Shaker Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Additional tickets may be purchased at the Welcome Center. Based on availability.

Friday, December 6

5:30 p.m. | Registration closed

6:00 p.m. | Registration closed

7:00 p.m. | Sold Out

Friday, December 20

5:30 p.m. | Sold Out

6:00 p.m. | Register Now

7:00 p.m. | Sold Out

7:30 p.m. | Register Now

Friday, December 13

5:30 p.m. | Sold Out

6:00p.m. | Register Now

7:00 p.m. | Sold Out

7:30 p.m. | Register Now

Sunday, December 22

5:30 p.m. | Register Now

Sunday, December 15

5:30 p.m. | Register Now

Friday, December 27

5:30 p.m. | Register Now

Holiday Lunch at The Trustees’ Table

Date: December 30, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Time: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm

2024 Holiday Lunch at The Trustees' Table

December 1-31, 2024 | Weekdays 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Weekends 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join us at The Trustees' Table for a traditional holiday lunch. The menu will feature a three-course meal of soup or salad, a choice of five different entrées, homemade desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Bakery breads and coleslaw will also be served. Scroll down the page to view the full menu.

Cost:
$32 Adults
$16 Ages 6-12
$10 Ages 2-5

Reservations are recommended, as seats fill quickly!

Call 859.734.1556 or email [email protected] for more information.

Holiday Lunch Menu

Starter

Tomato Celery Soup or Simple Salad

Entrée Selections

*Country Ham Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Red Eye Gravy

*Grilled Chicken Breasts, Jezebel Sauce, Sautéed Green Beans

*Braised Pot Roast, Marsala Demi-Glace, Mashed Potatoes

Salmon Croquettes, Dill Aioli, Corn Pudding

*Quinoa Chili, Cheddar Chive Cornbread (Vegetarian)

*Gluten Free Per Request

Dessert

Daily Desserts Presented by Your Server

Basic Basket Weaving: Kentucky Berry Basket

2025 Basic Basket Weaving: Kentucky Berry Basket

Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cross Stitch Shaker Samplers

2025 Cross Stitch Shaker Samplers

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 1-5:00 p.m.

Writer’s Workshop

2025 Writer's Workshop

Writing as Spiritual Practice

February 27-March 2, 2025 | Prose or Poetry Classes | $655

The Writer's Workshop is Supported by and in Partnership with:

Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass