Online educational resources, produced in-house, are highlighted with our bi-monthly “Preservation Update” series. These videos explore the many groundbreaking preservation projects taking place at South Union throughout the year.

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We continue "Curating Authenticity" through small details in the 1824 Centre House mantels. When early restoration efforts began in the 1970s, the applied mouldings on the mantels were removed as they were thought to be a later, Victorian addition. After further researech it became apparent that the mouldings were original to construction of the building. Many thanks to our craftsman, Roger Ryan, for reproducing the mouldings that show the Shakers at South Union did not shy away from decorative features in their buildings. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

We continue “Curating Authenticity” through small …

Using period-correct lighting in historic spaces is one small, but impactful way we are "Curating Authenticity" within the museum. As time went on and lighting changed, the Shakers embraced new advances in technology. In the 1910s, the Shakers electrified the Centre House and installed modern, electric light in the building. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Using period-correct lighting in historic spaces i…

In the 1854 Wash House, our attemps at "Curating Authenticity" are researched down to the microscopic level. We sent samples of exterior woodwork to Susan Buck, who discovered this shocking color through microscopic analysis. This is just one of three exterior doors on the front of the building that will be painted to represent the color the Shakers used in the mid-nineteenth century. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

In the 1854 Wash House, our attemps at “Curating A…

Even the smallest details are important in our attempts at Curating Authenticity. These stair supports are being reproduced based off of an extant example with more detail provided by a drawing from the Index of American Design. We are grateful to Brian Lankford for his generosity that supports this restoration. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Even the smallest details are important in our att…

This week on "Curating Authenticity" we're pleased to feature the restoration of a table that the Shakers used in the 1835 Smoke House. After the 1922 auction, Oscar Bond saved and used this table, so much so that the top deteriorated entirely. After being used as a display piece in the museum for decades, we have had it carefully restored by craftsman Roger Ryan. The new top matches the method of construction used by the Shakers at South Union and is back in the building from which it originated. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

This week on “Curating Authenticity” we’re pleased…

Curating Authenticity - Welcome to our new video series, "Curating Authenticity." In this series, we will be highlighting the ways in which we, as a museum, attempt to put things back the way they were when the Shakers were here. From historic preservation to interior period settings, we will feature the details that are put back in our attempts at authenticity. Today's video is the final reveal of the façade of the 1824 Centre House. In September of 1865, the Shakers painted the shutters Prussian blue. Through paint analysis conducted by Susan Buck, we have replicated the exact paint match on shutters reproduced by Austin Historical. This restoration project would not be possible without the generosity of Wayne and Dottie Metcalf, Kay Bender, the Estate of Thomas N. Moody, and the Josephine Ardery Foundation. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Curating Authenticity

Welcome to our new video series, “Curating Authent…

We are pleased to bring a restoration update on the 1824 Centre House. Work began this week to hang reproduction shutters on the front of the building. We know from the journals that the Shakers painted the shutters Prussian blue in 1865, a color typically reserved for the Shakers’ Meeting Houses. Stay tuned for the final reveal! This restoration project would not be possible without the generosity of Wayne and Dottie Metcalf, Kay Bender, the Estate of Thomas N. Moody, and the Josephine Ardery Foundation.

We are pleased to bring a restoration update on th…

Progress in the 1854 Wash House continues, and we are once again astounded by the original colors found in the building! Many thanks to Susan Buck for her analysis that revealed the front doors of the building were originally orange!

Progress in the 1854 Wash House continues, and we …

Preservation Update: Recent progress in the 1854 Wash House. Many thanks to Brian Lankford for his generous donation that has made this possible.

Preservation Update: Recent progress in the 1854 W…

In celebration of Kentucky History Month, we are filming at site that drew the Shakers to southern Kentucky during the Great Revival. The spring was a good and constant source of water, leading the Shakers to build their mills along the creek of the Clear Fork of the Gasper. Today you can still see remnants of the dam that the Shakers built in the 1810s. Elder Benjamin Seth Youngs wrote that during the Great Revival there was a man who visited the springs often and called it "Jasper" because he saw that great spiritual things would happen on this site. Jasper often refers to Godliness and purity, leading the Shakers to give South Union its spiritual name of "Jasper Valley."

In celebration of Kentucky History Month, we are f…

To close out National Preservation Month, we want to share an upcoming restoration project to the 1824 Centre House. The front of the building originally had shutters there were painted verdigris green, then later painted Prussian blue. Our goal is to replicate the shutters in the Prussian blue, starting with the front facade.

To close out National Preservation Month, we want …

In celebration of #NationalPreservationMonth we bring you an update on the 1854 Wash House. Thanks to funding from Brian Lankford, we have had the woodwork and doors reproduced from Vintage Millworks. Thanks to Susan Buck from Colonial Williamsburg for conducting paint analysis that revealed the original interior woodwork to be a mustard yellow. Stay tuned for many more updates to come.

In celebration of #NationalPreservationMonth we br…

For our final "Objects from the Outer Branch" video of the year, we are going out with a bang! While this is not a new object, it is an important replication of the range from the kitchen of the 1824 Centre House. We are thankful to the Americana Corner Grant that allowed us recreate this important architectural and educational component. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series! Special thanks to PTL Fabricators for making the top of the range, Hellcat Forge for the blacksmith work in the doors, and Kenneth Walker, our excellent brickmason.

For our final “Objects from the Outer Branch” vide…

This Object from the Outer Branch represents the history of the South Union Station. This area came to be in the 1860s upon the completion of the L&N Railroad. There was a hotel, a general store, blacksmith, livery stable, and more. These railroad signs identified the location for those traveling by train. Today the 1869 South Union Hotel and the 1917 Store building are the two remaining Shaker structures at the South Union station. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

This Object from the Outer Branch represents the h…

This "Object from the Outer Branch" is a recent acquisition to the museum that is also a rare find. This woolen blanket, made at South Union, is marked with an "O F" which stands for "Office Family." This indicates that the blanket, along with the basket with the same marking, were used by those in the Trustees Office. We are grateful to Currie and Judy Milliken for donating this to the museum. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

This “Object from the Outer Branch” is a recent ac…

These "Objects from the Outer Branch" reflect the profilic nature of Elder Harvey Eades' authorship. The first edition of "Shaker Theology" was published in 1879, with four editions following over the next ten years. The first two editions were printed in New York, and the last three at South Union. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

These “Objects from the Outer Branch” reflect the …

People often ask about the foodways and diet of the Shakers at South Union. This "Object from the Outer Branch" is a pail that was delivered to the village carrying roasted coffee. This was likely orderd and sent to the village during the later part of the 19th century via the railroad. In the mid 19th century, the Shakers had a prohibition on "stimulating drinks" like coffee. In it's stead, sassafras and chicory teas became the alternative drinks until the ban was lifted. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

People often ask about the foodways and diet of th…

This week's "Object from the Outer Branch" highlights a piece of mochaware pottery that was used by the Shakers at South Union. Looking at this pitcher, and bits of white ironstone found through archeology, it is clear that the Shakers did not adhere to the simple furnishings as we typically think. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

This week’s “Object from the Outer Branch” highlig…

Our "Object from the Outer Branch" is a lesser-known Shaker invention, the "tin lily." This specialized lighting fixture was made on site in the tin shop, and was designed to vent kerosene fumes out of the room. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Our “Object from the Outer Branch” is a lesser-kno…

As the month of September approaches, we will be sharing Objects from the Outer Branch that relate to the auctions that happened as the village closed. The final auction that ended up with the sale of the Shakers' farm took place in September of 1922. But did you know this wasn't the first and only dissolution sale of the village? Watch to learn more about the final days at South Union. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

As the month of September approaches, we will be s…

Bright colors have always been on trend at South Union! This "Object from the Outer Branch" is a paint brush that has excellent provence to the village. From the architecture to furniture, there are many examples of the Shakers' use of brilliant colors throughout the village. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Bright colors have always been on trend at South U…

Our "Object from the Outer Branch" this week is a preserve jar with a label partially intact. The preserve industry at South Union was led by the sisters in the community and sold by the brethren on their "peddling trips" throughout the south, going as far as New Orleans. This jar and label is a reminder of the industrious spirit that prevailed in all of the Shaker villages. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Our “Object from the Outer Branch” this week is a …

This week's Object from the Outer Branch is a manuscript that was added to the collection this week. The post card, written by Urban Johns to George Harris of Franklin, Kentucky, offers a look into the business dealings of the Shakers in 1877. Urban Johns came to South Union as a boy and rose to leadership in his adulthood. In this manuscript, Urban Johns is declining the opportunity to purchase grapes for making wine as they already had a supply. The Shakers at South Union were making wine for sale, but also for their own consumption. We are grateful to have received this rare document as a donation to the collection! Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

This week’s Object from the Outer Branch is a manu…

Objects from the Outer Branch: Lollipop Grave Marker - This week we are featuring a fragment of a cast iron grave marker, referred to as a "lollipop" marker. These markers, which take its name from the distinctive shape, can still be seen intact at Harvard, Massachusetts. The fragment we are highlighting today memorialized Margaret Pickens, a woman who joined the Shakers at South Union in the 1830s and passed away in the 1850s as a result of typhoid. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch: Lollipop Grave Marker

This week we are featuring a fragment of a cast ir…

Objects from the Outer Branch: Post Office - This week we are sharing part of the Shakers' Post Office from the turn of the 20the century. The Shakers first post office was established in 1826 in the community, and the South Union post office operated until 2005. Today, June 20, the US Postal Service is commemorating 250 years of Shakers in America with a set of 12 stamps that feature iconic Shaker images. South Union is featured in two of these stamps with the front hall of the Centre House and several silks from the village. At SUSV we are celebrating 250 years of Shakers in America with our Annual Appeal. If you would like to contribute our preservation efforts, visit our website at www.southunionshakervillage.com Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch: Post Office

This week we are sharing part of the Shakers’ Post…

Part Two of our “Objects from the Outer Branch” featuring this basket made by Robert Houston. This week we are discussing the person who owned the basket, Cyrus Blakey. Blakey was one of just a handful of South Union Shakers who was actually born in the community. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Part Two of our “Objects from the Outer Branch…

Objects from the Outer Branch - This week we are highlighting a South Union basket that was used at the North Family, and likely made by Robert Houston. Watch to learn more about Robert and his story at South Union. Thank you to Case Auctions for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch

This week we are highlighting a South Union basket…

This week our “Objects from the Outer Branch” features two planes owned by Robert Johns. Watch to hear the story of how another Shaker accurately predicted his death. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

This week our “Objects from the Outer Branch” …

Objects from the Outer Branch - This letter and envelope came to the museum this week, and both feature the name “WJ McGown” along with an image of a Shaker window sash balance. McGown was a trusted business leader within the community for many years, but left in 1876 and started a new life in Texas. According to newspaper articles, McGown used the business acumen he gained in the community and amassed a fortune in his new venture. Thank you to @case_auctions for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch

This letter and envelope came to the museum this w…

Today’s “Objects from the Outer Branch” features a very special item from the collection that belonged to Eldress Malinda Buchanan. This snuff box was gifted to her from Union Village Sister, Eunice Patterson. Malinda’s role is significant in Shaker history as she was the first Kentuckian to rise to the rank of Eldress among the Kentucky Shaker villages. We are appreciative to Cheryl Kline for donating this snuff box to the museum’s collection. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Today’s “Objects from the Outer Branch” feat…

Objects from the Outer Branch: Nancy Moore’s kerchief - To celebrate #Women’sHistoryMonth, we are highlighting an “Object from the Outer Branch” today that belonged to one of the most influential women at South Union, Eldress Nancy Moore. This kerchief is one of several objects in the collection that belonged to Nancy Moore. Her named is penned in ink by hand, and as well as being stamped. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch: Nancy Moore’s kerchief

To celebrate #Women’sHistoryMonth, we are highli…

Continuing to honor #BlackHistoryMonth, we are featuring another remarkable Black Shaker for this week’s “Objects from the Outer Branch.” David Barnett was born in 1795 and first appears in the records books in 1821. During his life at South Union, he was prolific mason and stone cutter. He made bricks for some of the most significant buildings in the community, and even produced 8,000 bricks in one day for the 1824 Centre House. Watch to learn more about David’s life as a Shaker and see objects from the collection that relate to his experience. Many thanks to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Continuing to honor #BlackHistoryMonth, we are fea…

Objects from the Outer Branch - In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, this week’s feature for “Objects from the Outer Branch” is an oval box that belonged to one of the free people of color living at South Union, Hannah Freehart. Hannah and her family were brought to South Union as enslaved people, but were free people in the community. Throughout her life as a Shaker, Hannah served as a nurse in the Centre Family and later as an Office Deaconess. Hannah, her mother Betty and sister Eunice, all chose to remain at South Union for the rest of their lives and are buried here in the cemetery. Thank you to Case Auctions for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch

In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, this week’s feat…

Objects from the Outer Branch - This week’s episode of “Objects from the Outer Branch” continues with two more objects related to Benjamin Seth Youngs. This letter he wrote to the leadership at Enfield, New Hampshire and a copy of the “Summary View of the Millennial Church” that was given to him from leaders at Hancock Shaker Village. Thank you to Case Antiques for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch

This week’s episode of “Objects from the Outer…

Objects from the Outer Branch - Introducing our new video series, “Objects from the Outer Branch.” Every two weeks, we will share an artifact or manuscript from the collection that is rarely available to the public. This week, we have pulled from the archives a pocket map and four almanacs, each belonging to South Union’s first elder, Benjamin Seth Youngs. Many thanks to @case_auctions for sponsoring this series!

Objects from the Outer Branch

Introducing our new video series, “Objects from …

Preservation Update: Kitchen Door Reproduction We have had another door reproduced in the Centre House, this time in the kitchen. As you can see, there is clear evidence that a door used to hang between the kitchen and the dining room. Thanks to our craftsman, Roger Ryan, for reproducing the door exactly how the Shakers would have made, and to John and Linda Tanner for funding this project. Be on the lookout for an update where we paint the door using recently revealed colors!

Preservation Update: Kitchen Door Reproduction W…

Preservation Update: The Big Reveal! As mentioned in previous videos, we have been sending Susan Buck several different samples of wood taken from baseboard, chair rail, and doors, to be microscopically analyzed. After she performs her analysis, she provides us with a color match of a @benjaminmoore paint color. The room you see here has recently been painted with the colors that the Shakers would have seen when they moved into the Centre House in 1833. As you can see here, the colors are rich and vibrant! We are grateful to Susan Buck for her work that helps give us an accurate depiction of how the Shakers lived.

Preservation Update: The Big Reveal! As mentione…

Preservation Update: More Paint Analysis! Over the past few months we have highlighted the restoration process of analyzing small samples from woodwork and utilizing the correct colors in our period spaces. Today we show you the newly analyzed woodwork in the 1835 Milk House!

Preservation Update: More Paint Analysis! Over the…

Preservation Update: The South Union cemetery.

Preservation Update: The South Union cemetery.

Preservation Update: Replicating the Shakers’ picket fences.

Preservation Update: Replicating the Shakers’ pi…

Preservation Update: Paint Analysis The 1846 Ministry Shop is an excellent example of the Shakers’ use of color in their buildings. It wasn’t until the museum began restoration of this building in the late 1990s that microscopic paint analysis, conducted by Susan Buck, revealed just how vibrant the colors of this building truly were.

Preservation Update: Paint Analysis The 1846 Minis…

Preservation Update: When the restoration of the Centre House kitchen began in the 1980s, workers discovered the Shakers’ open fireplace that had been closed in. In an effort to show an even more accurate portrayal of the kitchen, earlier this year we removed the concrete hearth and put back the brick floor that you can see here.

Preservation Update: When the restoration of the C…

Preservation Update: Over the last several years, we have been “selling” windows in the 1854 Wash House. These donations paid for the restoration of two sashes and the surrounding jamb. Because of the generosity of many donors, the windows in the front of the building have now all been restored. We are so appreciative to those who have helped fund this project!

Preservation Update: Over the last several years, …

Preservation Update: Replicating the Sisters’ porch and restoring the door surround. Thank you to Wayne Metcalf for supporting the restoration of the door surround!

Preservation Update: Replicating the Sisters’ po…

Preservation Update: Our “Room by Room” restoration project, which has been generously funded by Jack and Betty Kesler, continues with the Sisters’ Room in the 1824 Centre House. Watch to see how we have worked to restore this space as it would have been in the 19th century. #historicpreservation #shakervillage #southunion #kyshakers

Preservation Update: Our “Room by Room” restor…

Preservation Update: In our on-going preservation efforts, we are looking once more at the restoration of doors at South Union. Many thanks to Kay Bender for sponsoring this project, and to Roger Ryan for his excellent carpentry skills. #southunionshakervillage #historicpreservationmatters #historicpreservation #shakers #kyshakers #shakervillageky

Preservation Update: In our on-going preservation …

Preservation Update: The door to the 1835 Smoke House has been restored and is now hanging in its original location. For many years a replacement door hung in its place as the original was too damaged to be used. Many thanks to Rex and Suzy Payne for sponsoring this restoration project!

Preservation Update: The door to the 1835 Smoke Ho…

One final #FurnitureFriday. We are incredibly thankful for the support of this series over the past four years. If you are interested in going back and rewatching, the series is archived on our website. Thank you to @caseantiques for sponsoring #FurnitureFriday!

One final #FurnitureFriday. We are incredibly than…

These three weavers chairs do not relate to the straight chairs or rockers in the collection, but have a great provenance to South Union. Thank you to @caseantiques for sponsoring #FurnitureFriday!

These three weavers chairs do not relate to the st…

The Shakers at South Union created a form known as the “linen press” that was made to be used with different bases. The example here was purchased at the 1922 auction with its base, but before this was donated back to the museum, one family member kept the original base. A reproduction was made, though we are unsure if it is an exact replica, or produced upon conjecture. Thank you to @caseantiques for sponsoring #FurnitureFriday!

The Shakers at South Union created a form known as…

The carpenters shop at South Union created several bureaus for the community members in the 1850s. While they look similar at first glance, it is evident on closer inspection that they were constructed by different men. Thank you to @caseantiques for sponsoring #FurnitureFriday!

The carpenters shop at South Union created several…

A rare piece in our collection, this desk was one of the few pieces of non-household furniture. It could have been used in the Trustee’s Office or as a school desk. Join us this weekend for our Holiday Market! Thank you to @caseantiques for sponsoring #FurnitureFriday!

A rare piece in our collection, this desk was one …

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