SHAKER MUSEUM TO OPEN LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES ON JONES AVENUE IN CHATHAM, NY

Shaker Museum, which stewards the most comprehensive collection of Shaker material culture and archives, announced today that it will open a new library, archives and administrative facility at 29 Jones Avenue in Chatham, New York. The property and the costs to completely renovate the building were donated by longtime Shaker Museum supporter Jack Shear and represent a $1.6 million investment in the future of the museum. The announcement was made today to commemorate Shaker founding leader Mother Ann Lee who was born on February 29, 1736. The new facility is slated to open June 2024 and will round out the Shaker Museum campus in Chatham, NY which also includes the forthcoming museum designed by Selldorf Architects at 5 Austerlitz Street in downtown.

Longtime Shaker Museum supporter Jack Shear said, “The new Shaker library and archive will be an important place for community and scholarship. Significant pieces required for deep research and inquiry and not currently on display deserve a home that is secure and as protective as possible. This facility will ensure the legacy of the Shakers is properly preserved and I am thrilled to continue to support the work of Shaker Museum with this contribution.”

Shaker Museum Executive Director Lacy Schutz commented, “We are so grateful to Jack Shear for his generosity and commitment to Shaker Museum. His support has been pivotal to our growth and development and with the Jones Avenue facility we are taking a major step forward in our future vision for this important cultural institution.”

Read the full press release here.