Baby Animals opens this weekend at Hancock Shaker Village09:31AM / Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Children and families will delight in the fifth annual presentation of Hancock Shaker Village’s Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm event from April 7 – 22, 2007. During this two-week party for new lambs, piglets, calves, goats, ducklings and chicks in the famous Round Stone Barn, visitors can see the animals up close and participate in hands-on farm chores, craft activities and tours designed to provide a glimpse into Shaker life. A special “Adopt an Animal” Fundraising party on April 7 will kick off this year’s event and give children an opportunity to “adopt” a farm animal, giving families a chance to support the farm activities at the Village. Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm is sponsored by KB Toys and Berkshire Bank Foundation.
“By helping us care for the new baby animals, children and adults can get an idea of what happens at each time of year on a Shaker farm,” said Ellen Spear, president and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village. “Spring is a time of renewal on the farm, and the baby animals program illustrates how the farm is prepared for the growing season after a long winter.”
Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm will also feature barnyard babies from five local farms and the Hancock Shaker Village 4-H Clubs, in addition to those baby animals that are residents of Hancock Shaker Village. All of the Village’s resident farm animals, and many of the visiting animals on exhibit for the event, are representative of the types the Shakers used at various times throughout the Village’s history from 1790 to 1960. Other visiting babies are representative of livestock breeds that would have been found on the farms throughout New England at the time the Shakers lived at Hancock. Visitors can participate in daily farm chores, such as feeding, watering and grooming the baby animals. Children also can take part in projects such as wool spinning, weaving and felting in the Discovery Room and take their project home with them. The Discovery Room is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union.
Sheep shearing demonstrations will take place on two Sheep Shearing Days – April 19 and April 21. In addition to the regular daily activities, Sheep Shearing Days will feature shearing of the Village’s Merino sheep, and special hands-on textile demonstrations and activities will be offered with volunteers from three local spinning and weaving guilds.
Hancock Shaker Village is giving its patrons a very special opportunity to help the farm thrive through its Adopt-A-Farm Animal Program. Individuals may select the type of farm animal they would like to sponsor, including Merino sheep, Shorthorn (Durham) cattle, and Dominique chickens. A variety of adoption levels, based on cost and length of time, are available. Adoption opportunities include name recognition on a display in the Round Stone Barn, an adoption certificate, and specific information about the animal that was adopted.
Support from individuals and families is vital in providing the resources to feed, train and study how animals were utilized on the Shaker farm. Participation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and provides a way for children and families to be a part of a community philanthropic effort.
A special Bright & Early Celebration, an Adopt-an-Animal fundraising party, will take place on Saturday, April 7, from 8:00 - 10:00 AM. Children, parents and grandparents can enjoy a barnyard breakfast, children's activities, an Egg-stravagant Egg Hunt and see the baby animals before the general public is admitted. Each participating group will receive a special "Adoption" certificate for the animal of their choice, children may take a picture with their adopted animal, and all can join the spring celebration. In addition, each family group attending the preview celebration will receive a $5 gift card from KB Toys. Ticket prices for the Bight & Early Celebration are $120 for a family group of six (up to four adults) or $100 for HSV Member families. Reservations can be made by calling (413) 443-0188, ext. 221.
In the authentic Shaker kitchen in the 1830s Brick Dwelling, hands-on activities will include pie making using the unique Shaker double rolling pin, butter churning, and various food processing methods. For those interested in helping with gardening, there will be opportunities to clear fields, view the progress of starter seedlings, plant additional seedlings, and participate in composting.
Hancock Shaker Village members and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Admission for adults is $12.50 and youth visitors aged 13 – 17 are $4. The Village will be open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily.
The Village Caf? will be open during the Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm program serving a variety of fare, including family-friendly menu items. The Museum Store will also be open featuring special Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm-related products such as books on farming for children, an expanded gardening section, and food items.
About Hancock Shaker Village
Hancock Shaker Village, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is situated on 1,200 acres of farm, field and woodland. The fully restored Village includes 20 buildings, 22,000 examples of Shaker furniture, crafts, tools and clothes, as well as heritage farm animals and spectacular gardens. Tours, craft and cooking demonstrations, lectures, and a variety of activities for children and families appropriate to every season are available, as well as a Cafe and Museum Store. Open year-round. Hancock Shaker Village is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is supported in part by grants from The Massachusetts Cultural Council and Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, call (800) 817-1137. |
