The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program's services are free to the volunteers and organizations we serve.
RSVP home page to find out more about the benefits of being an RSVP volunteer, or how your non-profit organization can provide volunteer opportunities through RSVP, most anywhere in the United States.
Volunteers are a vital part of making the Museum's mission happen. The extensive garden, skilled artisans demonstrating Shaker crafts, classes, lectures, special events, exhibitions, tours, and educational programs help to teach visitors powerful lessons about idealism, community, and equality. The Museum relies on dedicated volunteers to help capture and share the Shaker heritage for present and future generations. Over 1800 hours of volunteer time were donated to the Enfield Shaker Museum in 1996.
Nestled in the valley between Mt. Assurance and Mascoma Lake, the Enfield Shaker Village was one of 21 American Shaker communities formed in response to the preaching and testimony of Mother Ann Lee. Here, Brothers, Sisters, and children lived, worked, and worshipped. They practiced equality of the sexes and races, communal ownership of property, pacifism, and celibacy. Over 200 buildings were built by the Enfield Shakers. They farmed over 3,000 acres of land, educated children in highly praised schools, and worshiped in a unique "Shaker Way". The phrase "Hands to work, Hearts to God" reflects their determination to create a heaven on earth. The last eight Shakers left their "Chosen Vale" in 1923.
Today the Enfield Shaker Museum owns 18 acres of Shaker land, three Shaker buildings, and a growing collection of Shaker artifacts. It also operates a store that sells a large variety of high quality articles reflective of the Enfield Shakers. Through the help of dedicated volunteers, members, and staff the Enfield Shaker Museum is preserving the heritage left by Shakers.
Volunteers have generously donated their time towards a broad variety of Museum needs. Gardening, demonstrating crafts, building and grounds maintenance, spring cleaning, store management, and special events are just to name a few. Through a grant from the New Hampshire Council on the Arts, lumber and supplies were purchased for a handicapped ramp for the 1849 Stone Mill Building. All labor to build the ramp was donated by skilled volunteers. The Stone Mill Building houses the Museum's Precious Gospel Kindred exhibit, a biographical exhibition spanning the 140 year history of Shakerism in Enfield, from June 28 through October 12, 1997. Uncountable hours of volunteer time have made this beautiful display possible. All these gifts of volunteer time, knowledge, and skill help the Museum continue to grow.
"I feel that I am making a contribution by volunteering," said Jean Beard. Jean, who is now retired, started volunteering about 7 years ago at the Shaker Store. After visiting the shop with friends, she thought that it looked like a "good place to be." Her administrative skills blend nicely with the Shaker Store's needs. Lise Richardson is a local craftsperson who enjoys donating her time to spin yarn in the craft demonstration area of the Museum. 6 to 7 years ago, her circle of spinners, The Upper Valley Spinning Group, started demonstrating their craft at the Museum. Lise feels very good to be donating her expertise to such a worthwhile cause and particularly enjoys working with children.
Please come visit the Enfield Shaker Museum on Route 4-A in Enfield, New Hampshire. If you are interested in volunteering at the Museum, call Teresa at (603) 448-1825 or send e-mail to: RSVP@valley.net.