Exhibit Grand Opening: Spark! Places of Innovation
Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 5-6:30 p.m.
Spark! Places of Innovation will be on exhibit March 2-31, 2024. Shaker Village exhibits are open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Opening Reception
Saturday, March 2 | 5:00 p.m. | Centre Family Dwelling
Spark! Places of Innovation explores the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that sparks innovation and invention in rural communities. Inspired by an exhibition by the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, this traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street program features stories gathered from diverse communities across the nation. The Shakers, too, were innovators and creators, famous for producing flat brooms, seed packets, and other items that generated revenue for their flourishing communal settlements. Artifacts and stories about the Shakers' innovations will be integrated into Spark! during this special, month-long exhibition at Shaker Village.
Join us for Shaker Village's grand opening of Spark! Places of Innovation and explore innovation from both a contemporary and historical perspective. Following a reception and introduction, Shaker Village staff will provide guided tours through the exhibit.
Appetizers and beverages are included, and a cash bar will be available.
Programming & Tours
Saturday, March 2 | 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – History of Hospitality: Hear how the Shakers’ legacy of hospitality has drawn people to this rural community for more than 200 years, making Pleasant Hill a hub of industry, innovation and creativity.*
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Planes & Woodworking: Discover some of the brethren’s tools and the Shakers’ originative furniture designs in this behind-the-scenes look at Shaker Village’s collection.
Separate ticket required, register here.
11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. – Guided tours of the exhibit with a Shaker Village educator.
1:30 p.m. – Agricultural Innovations: Learn about the Shakers’ innovative farming techniques that helped them to maximize their resources and efficiently feed their community.*
2:30 p.m. – Shaker Engineers: Explore Pleasant Hill’s novel waterworks to discover how the community’s needs for clean and plentiful water were met.*
3:30 p.m. – Quiet Revolutionaries: Discover how the Shakers’ progressive views, including their belief in gender and racial equality, challenged societal norms.*
4:00 p.m. – Preservation @ Work: Learn how historic preservation continues daily at Shaker Village, and how new advancements and innovations enable us to protect this special place.*
*Programs offered Wednesday-Sunday in conjunction with Spark! Places of Innovation from March 2-31, 2024. Included with general admission to Shaker Village.
Spark! Places of Innovation is located on the 2nd floor of the Centre Family Dwelling, with access available by stairs.
This exhibition was brought to Shaker Village through the support of Kentucky Humanities, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
