Preservation at Work
Ongoing Projects at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Preserving America's largest restored Shaker community and Kentucky's largest National Historic Landmark is an ongoing commitment, and a job that is never finished. More than 200 years after Pleasant Hill was founded, the Village's historic buildings, cultural landscape and collection of artifacts continue to require thoughtful stewardship to ensure these remarkable gifts endure for future generations.
Today, preservation is at work across Shaker Village. Explore the projects below to learn how this work protects Kentucky's history and brings the story of Pleasant Hill to life.
Featured Project
1816 North Lot Family Dwelling
Comprehensive Restoration | Ongoing through Fall 2028
The Building
The 1816 North Lot Family Dwelling served as a gathering order where recent converts learned about the Shaker faith and communal lifestyle before "officially" joining the community. Today, it is the only surviving structure at the North Lot and stands as an important reminder of the early years of Pleasant Hill's expansion.
Learn more about this history of the North Lot Family Dwelling.
The Project
Following its original restoration in the 1970s-80s, the North Lot Family Dwelling was used as overnight accommodations for guests until 2008, when it was closed to the public. Today, a comprehensive restoration effort is underway to stabilize and restore this timber frame structure, ensuring it will be enjoyed by guests for many more years to come.
The current project includes structural stabilization, restoration of the exterior envelope, renovation of interior surfaces, and new mechanical systems and infrastructure. The work will be completed over three phases designed to preserve historic integrity while modernizing systems for more efficient and comfortable public use.
The Team
Architect: K. Norman Berry & Associates
General Contractor (Phase 1): The Noble Group
Budget
$1.5 million
Project Support
This project is made possible through support from:
- Save America's Treasures | U.S. Department of the Interior
- The Kentucky Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (G.R.A.N.T.) Program
- Private Donors
Current Projects
1835 East Family
Wash House
Exterior Restoration
In Progress through Winter 2027
The Building
The East Family Wash House was built in 1835 and later expanded to support the daily life of the East Family. Here, Shaker Sisters gathered to wash, dry, and mend clothing and household textiles.
Today, the first floor of the building is used for interpretive exhibits and programs, while the second floor is home to two overnight guest rooms.
The Project
Restoration of siding, windows, doors, shutters, and trim, along with repairs to framing and upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems.
The Team
Shaker Village Restoration Team
Kelly Contracting
Budget
$230,000
Project Support
This project is made possible by the generosity of five individual donors who collectively funded this preservation project.
1848 Post Office
Exterior Restoration
In Progress through August 2026
The Building
Built in 1848, the Post Office served both the Shaker community and other residents of the area who mailed and received letters and packages here. Today, the building serves as a craft shop featuring a selection of coffees and teas among other items.
The Project
Restoration of the building's exterior, including siding, windows and doors. The scope of work also includes repairs to timber framing as needed and masonry at the two entry points and along the foundation.
The Team
Shaker Village Restoration Team
Kiel Thomson Construction
Budget
$148,000
Project Support
This project is made possible through the generosity of a private donor.
1830 West Lot Timber Frame Stable
Structural Elements and Exterior Restoration
In Progress through Winter 2027
The Building
The 1830 West Lot Timber Frame Stable supported the agricultural activities of the "gathering order" that lived at the West Lot Dwelling. Once reopened, this building will serve as a shelter for educational and equine programs.
The Project
This project includes making repairs and in some cases replacing timbers that provide structure to the building. The exterior boxing will also be replaced. The roof will receive new cedar shingles.
The Team
Shaker Village Restoration Team
Kelly Contracting
Budget
$35,000
Project Support
This project is funded through Shaker Village's operating budget.
1847 Cooper's Shop
Exterior Restoration
In Progress through Fall 2026
The Building
The Cooper's Shop was built in 1847 and utilized by Shaker brothers as a workshop for producing barrels, buckets, tubs and other coopered vessels essential to daily life at Pleasant Hill. Today, the first floor houses an educational exhibit while the second floor is a lovely overnight guest suite.
The Project
Restoration of exterior envelope, including siding, windows, doors and trim. While this work is underway and assessment will be completed on exposed timber frame components and repairs will be made as necessary. Before completion, masonry repairs will be made at entry points and enhanced drainage will be installed around the footprint of the building.
The Team
Shaker Village Restoration Team
Kiel Thomson Construction
Budget
$220,000
Project Support
This project is made possible through the support of Lilly Endowment, Inc.
1839 Trustees' Office
Phase 1: Limited Exterior Restoration and Mechanical Renovation
In Progress through Winter 2027
The Building
Built between 1839 and 1841, the Trustees' Office served as the center for hospitality and business at Pleasant Hill. Today, it remains a center of hospitality as home to the Trustees' Table restaurant, eight overnight guest rooms, craft shops and offices.
The Project
This project will be conducted in phases, and includes the full restoration of the historic building, the renovation of the cellar into a new dining venue, the construction of new kitchens adjacent to the rear of the building, and the establishment of new gardens and pathways around the building.
Learn more about the long-term vision for the Trustees' Office.
The Team
Architects: K. Norman Berry Associates
Shaker Village Restoration Team
General Contractor TBD
Budget
$15-20 million
Project Support
Phase 1 of this project has been made possible by the generosity of a private donor.
1821 West Family Dwelling
Exterior Restoration
Begins Fall 2026 through Winter 2027
The Building
Built in 1821, the West Family Dwelling served as the home to a "spiritual family" of Shaker brothers and sisters that resided on the west end of what we now know as the "historic center." Today, the building has overnight rooms and meetings spaces. The "Winter Kitchen" in the dwelling's cellar is used as a catering venue for numerous dining events throughout the year.
The Project
Exterior preservation work will be done on masonry and metalwork, while restoration will take place on all windows, doors, cornice and trim. New gutters will be installed and groundwork will ensure appropriate drainage around the building.
The Team
Shaker Village Restoration Team
Kiel Thomson Construction
Budget
$750,000
Project Support
This project is made possible by the generosity of a private donor.
