2025 PROGRESS
2025 PROGRESS
DEAR FRIENDS
Our nation was only thirty years old when the Shakers founded South Union. The members of this community witnessed the formative years of our country and lived through both the trials and the triumphs of the 19th and early 20th centuries. We celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by acknowledging the millions of local history stories that are woven into the larger narrative.
We hope you will also celebrate with us the progress that was made at South Union Shaker Village during 2025. Our goal is to make consistent advancement toward being a better historic site and museum. We strive to continue to discover more effective educational tools, search for innovative opportunities for outreach and development, and to utilize the best of historic preservation practices.
Once a year, SUSV rolls out an appeal for contributions that ultimately makes restoration, education, and development a possibility. The results greatly influence the outcome of our entire year of work. We hope that you will continue to partner with us in our quest to preserve American history through the lens of the Kentucky Shakers.
Please support South Union Shaker Village by contributing toward our SUSV Annual Appeal Campaign for the 2025 season.
Contributions may be made by check or credit card. There will be a 4% processing fee for credit card use. By visiting our website, you may donate online. SouthUnionShakerVillage.com
Setting up monthly payments is also an option!
Give us a call at: 270-542-4167.
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
PROGRESS
COLOR ON THE 1824 CENTRE HOUSE
Thanks to funding from the Josephine Ardery Foundation, Dottie and Wayne Metcalf, Kay Bender, and the estate of Tom Moody, the Centre House once again has louvered shutters on its façade. We chose to paint the shutters Prussian blue, citing a September 1865 journal reference that noted the Shakers’ choice for the building. Since the exterior of our historic site is interpreted to the year 1875 (the year of the latest building remaining), the decision was made to paint the shutters blue. To discern the color, conservator and paint analyst Susan Buck examined a paint sample taken from a piece of woodwork from the interior of the 1818 Meeting House, which was also Prussian blue. The results are stunning.
1854 WASH HOUSE RESTORATION CONTINUES
Major strides were made on the monumental task of restoring the 1854 Wash House. Because of funding from Brian Lankford, we are becoming closer to completing work on the main level of the 15,OOO square foot structure. The removal of a 197Os staircase that traversed all four floors of the building was a major step forward and new joists and missing flooring will soon be installed. Two of the four hearths were restored using Shaker-made bricks, missing interior trim has been installed, and plaster work was nearly completed.
UNSEEN PROGRESS
A major step forward for the preservation of the 1824 Centre House took place in 2025 as new wiring was installed in the cellar and a portion of the first level. Upgraded service panels on both floors were installed as well. Because of the increased capabilities, the museum is now able to use portable air conditioners in the meeting room and dining room, making it more comfortable for visitors during the summer months. The project was funded by Bill and Julie Kratts.
STRIDES IN
EDUCATION
A collaborative project with Western Kentucky University’s Art and Design Department, under the direction of Moksha Sommer, “Drawing the Ineffable,” opened in November. Taking inspiration from early 19th century gift drawings, students created a variety of contemporary works that graced the meeting room and intrigued visitors.
Nancy McAvoy was honored with SUSV’s annual Deedy Hall Volunteer of the Year Award in November. Nancy volunteered at the museum each week throughout the year, engaging guests with her knowledge of Shaker history. Nancy’s energy and winning personality have also made an impact on South Union events as well.
After months of preparation, SUSV opened its newest exhibit “Are These Not Perilous Times: South Union Shakers and the Civil War” in November. With funding from a Kentucky Historical Society America25OKY grant, the exhibit focuses on the significant hardships brought on by the war and the Shakers’ response to changing times. There are also panels that highlight notable figures who visited South Union and objects belonging to soldiers who the Shakers encountered. We are indebted to Rex and Suzi Payne for additional funding and for the donation of the objects, to Nicky Hughes who acted as consultant, and to Dianne Howerton for her design work.
COLLECTIONS ACTIVITY
ADDED TO THE COLLECTION:
SOUTH UNION BASKET,
WHITE OAK, CA. 1860
Fine example of the Kentucky Shakers’ unique basket-making tradition, this basket is the first discovered that is not rectangular in shape. Constructed on wooden molds like the ash baskets made by the Shakers in the northeast, this basket was formed in the “cathead” shape.
Purchased with acquisition endowment funds.
Added to the Collection: Manuscript Letter, February 13, 1870
Letter from South Union agents Pearcifield & Ware to Dennis, Rowe & Co., Richmond, Alabama, on a beautiful letterhead advertising Shaker garden seed, preserved fruits, improved fowls, and Chester White pigs.
Gift from Scott DeWolfe.
More Color Revelations
For many years it has been evident that the South Union Shakers painted their white oak chair seats. Not until we submitted a sample to conservator and paint analyst Susan Buck did we learn just how brilliant it was originally. Discovered was a bright orange that will soon be applied to reproduction seats on several chairs in the collection. It appears that some of the white oak baskets at South Union received the same treatment.