The Alfred Shaker Historic District encompasses buildings from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Located on Shaker Hill Road, the area is approximately 300 acres. It sits on a hillside and is bordered by stone walls and forested lands. Development of the area began in 1793 with the construction of a Meeting House. Soon after, several two-story dwellings, shops, and agricultural outbuildings dotted the landscape. There are twenty structures in total. Organization of the Shaker Society began in 1793 after the religious teachings of Mother Ann, the founding leader of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, and her preachers reached Maine. Followers came from various places in New England to Alfred to consecrate their property, time, and talents to the service of God and create a self-sustaining community. Services offered included wheel-making, wooden wares, tanning, and spinning wool. By 1931, the Alfred Shakers merged with the Sabbathday Lake Shakers in New Gloucester and the property was sold to the Brothers of Christian Instruction.
Year Listed: 2001
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=e95c8c0c-a88b-441c-862e-308b3b1b0d75