Established in 1783, Hancock Village thrived as
an active Shaker community during most of the following two centuries.
Divided into six family groups along north-south and east-west axes, Hancock was
a typical Shaker community with communal dwellings, craft shops, a meetinghouse,
and barns. The design for the buildings at the Hancock village were driven
by function and utility.
Shakers in America lived a communal life based on common
ownership of property and goods, celibate purity, and confession of sins. The
Shakers believed in the equality of men and women. Both male and female
elders led the community of families. The Shakers tried to feel joy in all
activities. Joy in work, joy in prayer, and joy in everyday life.
