Scope and Content

The Shakers were simple Christians with distinct beliefs, and this led to a unique experiment in association. From this collection it is evident that the United Order of Believers, or Shakers, formed a significant chapter in American history, by virtue of its communal principles, its status as a separatist sect, and its diverse social and economic contributions. These ideas and experiments attracted a lively contemporary interest and a continuing curiosity. Thousands joined such communities.

The extensive literature about the Shakers, especially from the 1780's to the present, is evidence of the attraction the movement had for people from various educational and economic backgrounds, many of whom recorded their impressions via the printed word and which are presented in this collection.

Also, this collection is of importance because of the Shaker contribution to local Dayton history. It will help historians and researchers to locate information since many Shaker diaries and personal records were destroyed or misplaced after the Watervliet Village of Dayton was closed down.

Finally, Shakers made a great contribution to

agriculture,
wood growing,
broom-making and
woodworking.

Shaker furniture was highly regarded for its practical design and sturdy construction; the development of improved seed banks for many of the crops grown in southwestern Ohio contributed greatly to the development of agriculture in this state.