THE WATERVLIET SHAKER JOURNAL - SHAKER HERITAGE SOCIETY AMERICA'S FIRST SHAKER SETTLEMENT
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T HE W ATERVLIET S HAKER J OURNAL
SHAKER HERITAGE SOCIETY SPRING 2019
AMERICA’S FIRST SHAKER SETTLEMENT VOL 39 NO 1
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT GALLERY EXPLORES
EVERYDAY PERFECTION
catalog: “The relations to labor as a devotional
process is common to both Shakers and artists of
many disciplines. Shakers sought nearness to
One of the SHS pieces on display is a hinged, wooden divine spirit through work that was necessary,
pattern used for cutting fabric for boys’ shirts. It is relentless, and achieved through concentrated
paired with a wooden pants pattern in the exhibit. effort. Among artists, labor also serves as a
transcendent purpose—the production of objects
At an April reception, SHS staff, volunteers, and and experiences that reflect and expand upon
board members had the pleasure of seeing a human perception.”
number of Shaker Heritage Society (SHS) collection
One artist, Brece Honeycutt, uses the scale of the
pieces placed in a new context, the Everyday
airport itself to bring home the sheer volume of
Perfection exhibit at the Albany International
textiles produced by Shakers. The 1836 Church
Airport Gallery. The exhibit juxtaposes Shaker
Family Journal reports that, among a long list of
textile tools with the work of eight contemporary
textiles produced for the year, Sisters spun 696
artists. The idea for the exhibit grew from
“runs” of tow and linen. A run equaled 1,600 yards.
conversations curator Kathy Greenwood had with
Honeycutt calculates that the linen thread
artist Elana Herzog, former SHS director Starlyn
produced that year was 393 times the length of the
D’Angelo and former SHS Education Coordinator
airport’s runway number one.
Michelle Arthur. Ms. Greenwood explains, “Those
discussions opened a pathway to a broader
Kathy Greenwood will lead a tour of the exhibit
examination of how Shaker textile traditions and
for SHS on Thursday, July 11th at 5:30 pm.
contemporary artists’ inclinations might intersect.”
Participants are encouraged to park at SHS and
In preparation for their work, artists had the either walk or carpool to the airport. Space is
opportunity to study collections at the Shaker limited, and pre-registration is requested at
Museum | Mount Lebanon, pieces of which are 518-456-7890 or educator@shakerheritage.org.
also included in the exhibit. Interpretations of the
The exhibit is open until September 2, 2019.
Shakers’ textile legacy are realized in a wide variety
The gallery is on the third floor of the main
of approaches and media. The historic tools
terminal, before the security checkpoint, and
themselves reflect a range of processes required in
open from 7am-11pm daily. Visitors’ parking
textile production, and a few of the items may not
tickets will be validated at the gallery.
be familiar to modern viewers. As noted in the
25 Meeting House Road Albany, NY 12211 www.shakerheritage.org 518.456.7890
THE WATERVLIET From the Director
What drives people to volunteer? The
SHAKER JOURNAL answers are as diverse as the people who
Edited by serve. Yet, as fewer and fewer Americans opt
Johanna Batman in, the question has become more pressing
Lorraine Weiss for nonprofits. Many museums and historical
societies like SHS would simply cease to exist
Published by the
without the time, talent, and energy that
SHAKER HERITAGE SOCIETY
volunteers pour into their work. This is a particularly poignant challenge
Shaker Meeting House for SHS, given the communal values of the Shakers themselves.
25 Meeting House Road
Albany, NY 12211-1051 In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnum described the decline of
518. 456.7890 social networks in America from 1980-2000. During that time-frame, he
www.shakerheritage.org documented a 43% drop in shared family meals, a 35% drop in inviting
director@shakerheritage.org
friends over for a visit, and a whopping 58% drop in participation in club
Board of Trustees
meetings. The result? We know fewer people, trust fewer people, feel
Jessica Ansert Klami, President
less empowered and less engaged in civic life both locally and nationally.
Rebecca Haizmann, Vice President Simultaneously, “relevance” has become a buzz word in the museum
Judy Disco, Treasurer community. How do institutions stay relevant in the digital age? How do
Maureen Bigness, Secretary they attract new audiences and avoid becoming obsolete in the eyes of
Terence Curran, Past President the coveted “Millennial” generation? The answer, perhaps, lies in social
Linda Allen, PhD networks.
Pilar Arthur Snead
I had the pleasure of participating in several volunteer events so far this
Michael Bates
year. The first was a brainstorming session in January to identify topics
Maureen Bigness for a new series of outdoor exhibit panels. Twenty volunteers and staff
Willard Bruce spent two hours exchanging ideas and identifying themes, facts, and
Mark Castiglione questions. The second event was a training session in March, where we
Stephen Iachetta reviewed policies and procedures, but also discussed our experiences
Meredith Rice and exchanged knowledge about Shaker history, and enjoyed lunch
David Rowley together after. While both meetings were scheduled and structured, it
was also social, and even fun! The third was our “Hands To Work Day” in
Ex. Officio April which was a great success thanks to a stalwart crew who ignored
Hon. Daniel McCoy Hon. Paula Mahan the wind and cold rain. (More about that on page 6.)
Dawn McHale, Membership Secretary At all these events, I came away buoyed by the sense of belonging. The
Rebecca Langer, Master gardener feeling that you are a part of a community, a part of something bigger
than yourself, is an addictive sensation. Organizations like SHS can help
Staff
regrow our social networks by creating spaces for shared experience,
Johanna Batman, Executive Director
interest, and activity. If we create the space, people will fill that space
Miriam Cantor-Stone,
with life. What could be more Shaker than that?
Volunteer Coordinator
Jackie Davis, Gift Shop
and Craft Fair Manager THANK YOU for making our Annual Appeal a success. Inspired by a
Larry Graudons, Maintenance private donation that established a $10,000 match, our board,
Candis Murray PhD, Program Associate members, and donors contributed nearly $11,000 to meet that amount
Kimberly Spath, Bookkeeper and more. We are deeply grateful, and, as you will see in the following
Lorraine Weiss, Education Coordinator pages, SHS will be using your support to work towards a number of
important goals.
WATERVLIET SHAKER JOURNAL SPRING 2019 Vol. 39
In The Museum Shop
If you are looking for a unique gift, you will find a
number of new products at the Shaker Heritage
Society Museum Shop, including a new children's
section where you will be able to find gardening
tools, hand puppets, and kits to paint your own
birdhouse, bug house or flower pot.
Your purchases will be rung up on new cash
Come Sing in Our House! registers, made possible by a private donation.
Shaker Heritage Society is grateful that we were
On a rather chilly night in February, fifteen
members of the Albany Sacred Harp Singers visited able to replace registers that were a bit historic
themselves. The new registers will help us with
the Meeting House for a special singing session.
inventory and other administrative tasks.
Seated in a square that reflected their four-part, a
cappella harmonies, they managed to fill the space As always, we thank our dedicated crew who
as though there were 50 voices in the room. The volunteer in the shop each week.
singers thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to sing
in an historic setting with outstanding acoustics.
SHS staff were enjoying the marvelous sound from
the second floor of the building, and were inspired
to create a program on the spot--one that would
provide other groups with the experience of
Starlyn D’Angelo Honored
singing in the Meeting House. “Come Sing In Our The Museum Association of New York’s Award of
House!” is intended for informal sessions or a Merit for Individual Achievement is given to
weekly choir practice. devoted staff and volunteers who are instrumental
Between March and mid-October, the Meeting in moving their organizations forward over a
House will be available by arrangement, free of sustained period. At their April, 2019 annual
charge, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday conference in Cooperstown, MANY recognized
evenings, barring any prior programs scheduled. Starlyn D’Angelo “for the volume and scope of
Other times may be available. If you or someone work she completed in her tenure as Executive
you know is involved in a singing group or choir Director, her tireless motivation and significant
that may be interested in using our historic space, achievements at the Shaker Heritage Shaker
please contact Lorraine Weiss for further details at Heritage Society that will
educator@shakerheritage.org or 518-456-7890. have lasting benefits for
generations to come.”
In the meantime, if you are interested in learning
more about Sacred Harp singing, also known as Star continues to support
shape note singing, you will find information about SHS programs, and
the Albany Sacred Harp Singers at recently taught a workshop
www.albanysacredharp.org. Their weekly sessions on preserving family
in Schenectady are “open to newcomers, all ages, heirlooms.
all voices, and all levels of musical (in)experience.”
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WATERVLIET SHAKER JOURNAL SPRING 2019 Vol. 39
Workshops Calligraphy Workshop with Libby Lee
Saturday, August 10, 1:00 pm—4:00 pm
Shaker Heritage Society workshops are suitable for $30 ($25 SHS Members)
Try your hand at the true art of texting! Artist Libby Lee
ages 14 and up. No experience is needed unless
will guide you through the steps of creating eye-catching
otherwise indicated. Workshop fees include the script using felt tip pens.
cost of materials. Please bring your own lunch
when a lunch break is indicated. Basket workshops Landscape Painting Class
are taught by Sandy Salada, who often Saturday, September 21 10:30am – 12:30pm
demonstrates the process at our craft fairs. $45 ($40 SHS Members)
Instructor Noreen Powell will teach you to draw
If your weekends are too busy, note that one inspiration from Nature and create your own
basket workshop is planned for a Wednesday. masterpiece featuring a scenic view on the historic
There are more classes and programs being Shaker Heritage site. The class is for beginning and
intermediate painters.
planned, and we would like to hear about your
interests and preferences, particularly if you would Roll/Counter Basket NEW!
like more weekday sessions. Saturday, September 28
10:00 am – 3:30 pm
For more information or to register, contact $50 ($45 SHS Members)*
Lorraine Weiss at educator@shakerheritage.org or This pretty, multi-use basket is
518-456-7890, x 3. You can also register online via perfect for serving rolls and bread or as a handy basket
Eventbrite. on the counter. The basket begins with an oak base,
woven in natural and multi colored dyed reed with a
Pie/Casserole Basket Weaving
sturdy rim and optional leather handles. Your choice of
NEW!
reed colors: black/gray/brown, blue/red/brown, or red/
WEDNESDAY, June 26
green/brown. *Fee includes basic materials, the
10:00 am – 3:30 pm
optional leather handles are $5 additional. Session
$50 ($45 SHS Members)
includes lunch break.
This 12 by 12 inch basket is just the
right size to carry your favorite pie or casserole dish. The
Woven Holiday Ornaments
basket has an open bottom woven in natural and your
Saturday, November 9 and December 14
choice of dyed reed with an oak handle. Optional
Each workshop will feature a different set of three
wrapped handle if time permits. Choose navy, dark
ornaments that will be completed by the end of the
green, red, burgundy or brown at time of registration.
class. Details will be available at
Session includes lunch break.
www.shakerheritage.org.
Indian Corn Swag Workshop NEW!
Saturday, August 10
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
$50 ($45 SHS Members)
This “squirrel proof” Indian Corn
Swag is woven with variegated dyed
reed over a foam mold. Participants
will make 3 “ears” of corn with a choice of fall accents
and a bow. Session includes lunch break.
Right: Libby Lee works with SHS Volunteer Beth Dorn
during a recent workshop on Shaker Chair taping. Beth
and her daughter, Christine Dorn, taped two chairs that
they donated for SHS visitors to use.
4
WATERVLIET SHAKER JOURNAL SPRING 2019 Vol. 39
Focus on the Old
Shaker Mill Pond
SHS is working with staff at the Albany County
Office of Natural Resource Conservation and the
Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District
to highlight the connection between the Ann Lee
Nature Preserve and the Shaker’s Church Family
site. What is now known as Ann Lee Pond was the
Mill Pond, dredged by the Shakers for the
construction of a mill that was completed in 1812.
Summer Residents Return
In addition to providing water power for the saw
One of the pleasures of working at SHS is that we
and grist mill and other machinery, such as the
learn something new every day. Recently, Bob
press for printing seed labels, the pond was a
Reilly (former board president, long-time member,
source of ice harvested in the winter. The Shakers
supporter, volunteer, and supplier/manager of our
also fished at the pond and gathered a variety of
site’s fauna) informed us that three cows qualify as
plants in the area. The same natural bounty that
a small herd. We have no reason to argue.
served the Shaker community for over 100 years
We can now proudly announce that the SHS Cattle now attracts a variety of visitors who hike,
Herd has returned to their summer pasture! Three snowshoe, bird watch, and fish.
dark bovine beauties, of the rare Irish Kerry breed,
While many SHS visitors recall skating at Ann Lee
have taken up residence in the pasture between
Pond years ago, a good number of people who
the Trustees Office and Ann Lee Preserve. Tralee
attend craft fairs and other events are unaware of
(the one with horns), is owned by Bob and will turn
the Nature Preserve that is located nearby. At the
3 this year. Stop by and say hello to the girls next
same time, many of the walkers, hikers, and birders
time you are here.
who frequent the Nature Preserve do not know
There are also new chicken coops on the site, about the pond’s history and have not visited the
complete with new residents. These are heirloom Shaker site. In order to educate all visitors to both
breeds—look for information about them near the sites, SHS and Albany County partners will update
coops. We appreciate everything Mr. Reilly does to and expand interpretive materials on the natural
connect our site with its important agricultural and historic resources of the Ann Lee Pond. Trail
heritage. He is aided by volunteers Marc Platt and guides and signs will support guided tours and
Ricky Russell. other programs in the future.
Do you have a special memory of
Ann Lee Pond? Please send your
anecdotes and photos to
educator@shakerheritage.org.
Left: A detail of David Austin Buckingham’s
1838 Map of the “Village Called the Church
Family” shows the mill building and Mill
Pond. (Courtesy New York State Museum)
5
WATERVLIET SHAKER JOURNAL SPRING 2019 Vol. 39
Hands to Work
First, our sincere apologies to Priscilla Johnson, who
was accidentally not included in the volunteer list in
December’s newsletter. Secondly, Steve O’Connor
was the unnamed member in the photo of the
Shaker Heritage Society board of directors.
We welcome two new volunteers: Shelia Cutler
who has signed on for garden work, and Judy
Turullo, who is assisting with research. SHS also Shaker Heritage
welcomes Miriam Cantor-Stone as Society leases 5 of the
9 structures that comprise the Church Family site. A new
our new Volunteer Coordinator.
series of Hands to Work volunteer days are helping us
She will lead our efforts in
partner with property owner Albany County to maintain
recruitment, orientation, training, and enhance this important historic resource and tourist
and recognition for SHS volunteers. destination. Despite cold and wet weather served up on
She’s also busy with our social April 27th, the first HTW Day was a success.
media. Miriam contacted SHS last October after Conservator C.R. Jones traveled from Cooperstown with
moving to the Albany area. Having studied the his wife, Susan, to train SHS volunteers in the process of
Shakers at Mount Holyoke College, she was cleaning gravestones. Robert Beck, Miriam Cantor-Stone,
interested in volunteering. She has previously and Diane Dugan cautiously removed lichen and grime
worked and volunteered for several academic and from stones to reveal names and dates.
non-profit institutions. Miriam took on a variety of Colonie Rotary Club members Chungchin Chen, Jim
tasks at SHS, working on research, documenting and Faddegon, and Kirk and Bonita Pogge attacked the wild
organizing historic photographs, and helping with overgrowth along Shaker Creek along with Northeast
Woodworkers Association (NWA) member Mary
tours. In fact, she will continue to volunteer one day
Gillespie. Garden “buds” Becky Langer, Janet Nardolillo,
a week in addition to working in her new position.
and Elaine Sacco worked on the herb garden and
Education Coordinator Lorraine Weiss and Miriam restored the entrance garden. NWA members also
Cantor-Stone are planning monthly volunteer “tea repaired the
bridge across
talks.” The first two were on the role of women in
Shaker Creek.
Shaker Society and the history reflected by the
Shaker Cemetery. On June 20th we plan to tour Jim Maczeck
and John
West Family site buildings.
Person rebuilt a
The Albany County Soil and Water Conservation
fence, and
District sponsors the rain garden located behind board members
the Brethren’s Workshop,. They will soon be Bill Bruce and
replenishing the plants and restoring the garden. Linda Allen
We will need a volunteer or two to help maintain joined Johanna
this demonstration garden. Batman to
improve the
SHS hopes to schedule guided site tours on
view behind
Saturdays and will also need guides to help with
the Laundry/
school and other group tours in the coming year. Wash House.
Contact Miriam Cantor-Stone if you are interested:
volunteer@shakerheritage.org.
6
WATERVLIET SHAKER JOURNAL SPRING 2019 Vol. 39
July Craft Show
SHAKER HERITAGE SOCIETY Museum Shop and Craft Fair Manager Jackie
Davis’ plans for the fair include new artisans
CRAFT FAIR and vendors, craft demonstrations, more
JULY 13 – 14 children’s activities, and of course the all-
and important pie tent. On Sunday, we’ll have
ponies to ride and a petting zoo to visit. Craft
SEPTEMBER 14 - 15 demonstrations will include quilting, basket
10 AM – 4 PM making, and jewelry making.
Rain or Shine
Tours will not only introduce visitors to the
former Church Family site, but will also
Over 75 Artisans and Vendors highlight its historic connections with the Ann
Craft Demonstrations • Tours • Family Activities Lee Nature Preserve. A presentation at the
Food • Live Music -- Both Days Shaker Cemetery will feature some of the
Pony Rides and Petting Zoo on Sunday personal stories reflected by the uniform
$4.00 per person $3.00 with this ad gravestones.
SHS Members, Veterans, & Children under 12 FREE Please help us spread the word about this
FREE Parking event which carries on the traditions of
craftsmanship and creativity.
Proceeds to benefit the Shaker Heritage Society
America’s First Shaker Settlement Consider joining in as a volunteer at the fair.
You can choose from a variety of
www.shakerheritage.org 518-456-7890, ext. 5
25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY 12211 assignments. Contact Miriam Cantor-Stone
at volunteer@shakerheritage.org.
New Dance Work Inspired by Shaker History
For over a year, Reggie Wilson, director of the she and current Education Coordinator Lorraine
Brooklyn-based Fist and Heel Performance Group, Weiss had two opportunities to see the dance
has immersed himself in the history of the piece in progress.
Shakers. His research brought him to the The new work, POWER, will debut at Hancock
Watervliet site, where African American Eldress Shaker Village July 6, and will be performed at
Rebecca Jackson was first introduced to the Jacobs Pillow July 10-14th. As described by the
Shakers and where she returned for several Pillow Lab website, “[Wilson’s] new work
periods before gaining permission to establish a reimagines compelling core Shaker values,
Shaker community in Philadelphia in 1857. contributions, practices, and histories through a
In fact, as part of developing a performance postmodern American lens. Building on his
commissioned by Jacobs Pillow, all of Mr. ongoing examination of early African American
Wilson’s dancers participated in the research spiritual worship within American Christian
phase by exploring the buildings, collections, and religiosity, Wilson’s POWER promises to present
archives at Hancock Shaker Village. Former SHS intriguing perspectives and correlations on
Education Coordinator Michelle Arthur worked worship and practices connected to Shakerism.”
with Reggie Wilson during his Albany visit, and
7
25 Meeting House Road
Albany, NY 12211
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAKER FARE
Spring Vegetable Soup
THE MEMBERSHIP
Ingredients:
Saturday, June 22, 2019, 11:00 am 2 raw potatoes 1 raw carrot 1 tablespoon butter
1848 Shaker Meeting House 2 leeks or 4 green onions, sliced 3 ribs celery
3 sprigs flat-leaf parsley 2 parsnips
Enjoy a BBQ picnic, special tours with the director, and
1 C shredded lettuce 2 qts chicken broth
exercise your right to vote for candidates for the SHS ¼ C green pepper, chopped
Board of Directors. Can't make it to the meeting? All
members will receive a proxy ballot and instructions. Wash potatoes and carrots. Slice thinly, but do not
Craig Apple, Albany County Sheriff will be our guest peel. Melt butter and add leeks, celery and parsley.
speaker. Before there were social service agencies, Sauté until vegetables are translucent, but not brown.
Shakers offered food, shelter, and fellowship to the Blanch the green pepper and lettuce in boiling water
poor, sick, and forgotten members of society. Today, for one minute. Heat broth and pour over vegetables,
under Sheriff Apple's guidance, the Albany County including raw potato and carrot. Season with salt and
Correctional Facility has developed and implemented pepper if desired, and simmer slowly for 20 minutes.
community partnerships to reduce recidivism and Serve hot with toasted crackers. Serves 4 to 6.
improve outcomes for incarcerated men and women
Amelia’s Shaker Recipes
in Albany County. Sheriff Apple will speak about some
of these programs, including the County's work with The Shaker Cookbook: Recipes & Lore from the Valley of
God’s Pleasure by Caroline Piercy and Arthur Tolve, pg. 27
our neighbors at the veteran's service organization,
Gabriel’s Horn Publishing Co., Bowling Green, Ohio, 1953,
Soldier On. 1984
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