Senator Hassan visits Canterbury Shaker Village, highlights NH historic preservation efforts

CANTERBURY — U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan visited Canterbury Shaker Village and heard from staff about their work to preserve the historic site and educate visitors about New Hampshire’s history. During the visit, Senator Hassan discussed federal funding that she helped secure to support preservation efforts, as well as her bipartisan legislation to help designate Canterbury Shaker Village as a National Heritage Area.

“Canterbury Shaker Village is an important part of New Hampshire’s history and gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the Shakers and their unique way of life,” said Senator Hassan. “It was great to be back at the Village to hear about the staff’s work to preserve this history for future generations. I will keep advocating to bring federal grant dollars back to New Hampshire to support historic sites like Canterbury Shaker Village.”

Established in 1792, Canterbury Shaker Village is among the oldest and most preserved Shaker communities in the country. Today, the Village gives visitors an opportunity to learn about more than 200 years of Shaker history through its historic buildings, exhibits, and educational programs.

Senator Hassan has supported efforts to help preserve the Village’s historic infirmary, improve the care and management of its collections, and develop new exhibits highlighting the Shakers’ economic history and innovations.

Senator Hassan also introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize a study of the feasibility of designating Canterbury Shaker Village as a National Heritage Area, the first step toward securing the designation and making the Village eligible for additional federal support. The legislation advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee earlier this year.