Sabbathday Lake: Life Inside the Last Living Shaker Community

A look into the daily life, beliefs, and enduring legacy of the Shakers' last active community in New Gloucester, Maine.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Aug 9, 2026

Branched from Ann Lee and the Founding of Shaker Theology: How One Woman's Visions Shaped a Radical Christian Movement

Quick take

Sabbathday Lake is the last continuously active Shaker community, established in 1783 in New Gloucester, Maine.
Shakers live by principles of celibacy, communal ownership, pacifism, and a commitment to hard work and spiritual devotion.
Their daily life balances spiritual practice with practical labor like farming and traditional craftsmanship.
The community actively preserves Shaker heritage through its museum, outreach, and continuation of traditional practices.

Sabbathday Lake is the home of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, more commonly known as Shakers. It is the last continuously active Shaker community in the world, located in New Gloucester, Maine. Established in 1783, it embodies the enduring principles of Shaker faith and lifestyle, serving as a living testament to their unique spiritual and communal traditions.

A Life of Simplicity and Devotion

Shaker life at Sabbathday Lake is governed by a covenant of celibacy, communal ownership, pacifism, and a commitment to hard work and spiritual purity. Members live together in a family-like structure, sharing all possessions and labor. The day is structured around periods of prayer, work, and study, reflecting their belief that “Hands to work, hearts to God” is the path to salvation. This balance between the spiritual and the practical informs every aspect of their existence, from farming to furniture making.

Daily Rhythms and Communal Living

Life begins early at Sabbathday Lake, often with morning devotionals. The community’s self-sufficiency is paramount, with members engaged in farming, gardening, preserving food, and maintaining the historic buildings. Traditional Shaker crafts, such as weaving, woodworking, and herbalism, are practiced not just for utility but as expressions of their values of order, cleanliness, and perfection. Meals are taken communally, often in silence, reinforcing their shared spiritual journey and the bounty of their labor.

Preserving a Living Legacy

As the last active community, the Shakers at Sabbathday Lake face the unique challenge of preserving their heritage while living it. They operate a museum, library, and archives, welcoming visitors to learn about their history and beliefs. They also run a farm stand, a store selling Shaker-made goods, and host workshops, ensuring their traditions and the fruits of their labor continue to reach the wider world. This outreach is vital for both financial support and for sharing the Shaker message of peace, simplicity, and communal harmony.

Sabbathday Lake matters as a rare, living link to a significant chapter in American social and religious history. It offers a tangible example of an alternative way of life, emphasizing sustainability, craftsmanship, and community over individualism and consumerism. In an increasingly complex world, the Shakers' commitment to simplicity, peace, and spiritual devotion provides a profound counter-narrative, prompting reflection on our own values and priorities. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of faith and communal purpose.

How many Shakers currently live at Sabbathday Lake?

The community is small, consisting of a handful of dedicated members, often numbering fewer than ten at any given time.

Can anyone visit Sabbathday Lake?

Yes, the Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake operates as a museum and welcomes visitors during its open season, typically from May through October, offering tours and educational programs.

Do Shakers try to recruit new members?

While they welcome those genuinely drawn to their way of life, Shakers do not actively proselytize. New members are rare and must fully embrace the Shaker covenant, including celibacy and communal living.

What happens to the community if there are no more new members?

The Shakers at Sabbathday Lake are committed to living their faith fully for as long as possible. They are also dedicated to preserving their heritage through their museum and educational efforts, ensuring their legacy endures even if the active community eventually ceases to exist.

Sources

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village official website