Rise and Fall of the Shakers

Rise and Fall of the Shakers

From American History Hit by History Hit

March 26, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 369

About this episode

This episode explores the history and significance of the Shakers, a religious group that originated in the UK and has a unique presence in the US today.

The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, best known as the Shakers, emerged in the UK in the 18th Century. So how is it that the three remaining Shakers are based in the US? How did this religion cross the Atlantic? And where did they get their nickname from? Don is joined for this episode by Professor Doug Winiarski, professor of Religious Studies at the University of Richmond, and editor of upcoming 'Shakers at the Centre: Manifesting Spirits and Spectacles in 19th Century America'. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe .   All music from Epidemic Sounds. American History Hit is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Don

Guest: Professor Doug Winiarski

Topics covered

  • Shakers
  • religion
  • history
  • 18th Century
  • American history

Keywords

  • Shakers
  • religion
  • history
  • 18th Century
  • American history
  • Doug Winiarski
  • United Society of Believers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Richmond, History Hit

Books & works: Shakers at the Centre: Manifesting Spirits and Spectacles in 19th Century America

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