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The Shakers: Hands To Work, Hearts To God

They called themselves the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, but because of their ecstatic dancing, the world called them “Shakers.” Though they were celibate, they constitute the most enduring religious experiment in American history. They believed in pacifism as well as natural health and hygiene; for more than 200 years, they insisted that their followers strive for simplicity and perfection in everything they did. The Shakers put their “hands to work and their hearts to God,” creating an exquisite legacy of fine furniture, glorious architecture and beautiful music that will remain and inspire long after the last Shaker is gone. The Shakers is a portrait of this particularly American movement.

English
  • Originally Aired November 1, 1984
  • Runtime 90 minutes
  • Network PBS
  • Notes Is a season finale
  • Created July 25, 2015 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified July 25, 2015 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Amy Stechler Burns Writer
Wendy Tilghman Writer
Tom Lewis Writer
Amy Stechler Burns Director
Ken Burns Director