The People of Enfield, Connecticut Shaker Village, 1780-1968 presented by Stephen J. Paterwic

Last March, author and Shaker scholar Stephen J. Paterwic delivered a presentation based on his latest book, The Shakers of Enfield, Connecticut 1780-1968. which is the first book devoted to telling the complete story of our relatively unknown Enfield, Connecticut Shaker village.  He returns by popular demand.

Stephen describes this second presentation as follows: “My last presentation focused on the buildings and the landscape.  This time I shall speak about the Enfield Shaker brethren and sisters.  I’ll start with the founders in 1780, the Meachams and the Markhams, and end with the last Enfield Shaker, Adeline Patterson, who died in 1968.  In between will be stories of romance, failures, and saints.  This talk will not please those who wish to idealize or, conversely, demonize the Shakers.  In the end, I hope the audience will understand more fully that the Shakers are simply men and women attempting the extraordinary.”

This presentation is open to the public.  Anyone with an interest in Enfield history is welcome to attend.

The Enfield Historical Society is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has preserved and shared Enfield’s history for more than 60 years.  New members are always needed and greatly appreciated.  Everyone is welcome.  You don’t need to be a historian or Enfield native to join.  Become a member today!