The Shakers were a Christian sect founded in 1747. As a progressive religious movement, the Shakers established communal settlements in the United States in the 18th century and were way ahead of their time for espousing gender parity, communalism, pacifism, and sustainability. At one time the sect numbered 5,000 devotees. But by the late 19th century, Shaker membership was experiencing a rapid decline. So, what happened, and why were they called Shakers anyway?
Click on and explore the origins of this remarkable community and find out how they influenced American society and the wider world.