Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm
PITTSFIELD, Mass. Lambs, piglets, and chicks oh, my!
Hancock Shaker Village is readying for one of its most well-known and well-attended events of the year its seventh annual Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm event, which will run April 11 through May 3, 2009.
The event is a very exciting time at the Village, as it welcomes scores of newly arrived lambs, piglets, calves, goats, ducklings, and chicks. The animals represent livestock that was once kept at the Village by the Shakers, beginning in the 1700s and continuing into the 1960s. The annual spring event allows visitors to meet and greet with these young residents, as well as participate in farm chores and craft activities, take guided tours of the Village, and learn more about Shaker life.
ŒBaby Animals' is a prized destination for families, class trips, and self-guided exploration. It includes not just educational aspects, but entertainment, too. This year, the event will be sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union.
New This Year Shaker Village
Due to its popularity, HSV has been extended by a week this year, allowing nearly a full month for visitors to enjoy the Village during one of its most exciting times.
Also new this year is the Greylock Children's Garden, which welcomes children of all ages to help plant seeds that will grow into vegetables harvested and used in recipes at the Village Café. Each family that visits HSV during Baby Animals Month will receive a free packet of heirloom seeds and a starter kit, as well as a free pass to return to the Village for planting on June 13.
In addition, special needs visiting hours will be sponsored by Greylock Insurance. The village will offer daily early access to special needs groups as they make reservations. Both adult and child special needs groups are eligible for these special hours.
Finally, a special exhibit of paintings will be open during Baby Animals. The artist is Susan Merrill, and her paintings are based on the heritage breeds of animals that she has visited at Hancock Shaker Village. Proceeds from the show will benefit the village, and a sneak-preview reception is planned for April 3.
About Hancock Shaker Village
Hancock Shaker Village, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is situated on 750 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 or go to www.hancockshakervillage.org.
