Come Life, Shaker Life: From the Cradle to the Cradle

About this episode

This episode explores the history and cultural significance of the Shakers, their communal philosophy, and recent exhibitions inspired by their legacy.

The Shakers. An offshoot sect of The Quakers, born in England in 1747. In worship they were known to break into states of ecstatic trembling. Trembling Quakers. Shaking Quakers. The Shakers. They came to America in 1774 with a utopian vision, egalitarian ideals, a belief in the equality of the sexes, a philosophy of communal, celibate, simple living. Known for their purposeful communities, their pacifism and legendary craftsmanship. At their peak in the mid-nineteenth century there were some 6,000 Shakers worldwide. As of 2024 there were but two Shakers left in America, so it made headlines in 2025 when Sister April Baxter entered the fold. Four-time Academy Award winner Frances McDormand and artist Suzanne Bocanegra were inspired by the communal Shaker philosophy and aesthetic and were invited by The Shaker Museum in Chatham, New York to create a pop-up exhibit curated from the museum’s archive of Shaker furniture, textiles and goods. They called their installation “Cradled.” Maira Kalman's pop-up exhibition, Shaker Outpost: Design, Commerce and Culture, a curated selection of her favorite pieces from the vast Shaker Museum collection opens on Saturday, May 2 at 4 Depot Square…

People in this episode

Host: The Kitchen Sisters

Topics covered

• Shaker culture
• utopian communities
• craftsmanship
• exhibitions
• communal living

Keywords

• Shakers
• Quakers
• Frances McDormand
• Shaker Museum
• communal living
• exhibitions
• craftsmanship

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Shakers, The Quakers, The Shaker Museum

Books & works: Cradled, Shaker Outpost: Design, Commerce and Culture

Places: England, America, Chatham, New York

More episodes of The Kitchen Sisters Present

• 100 years of Route 66 · June 2, 2026 · 59 min
• The Brave Heart Women’s Society · May 19, 2026 · 26 min
• Requiem for Larry Massett · April 21, 2026 · 53 min
• Lutah Maria Riggs Designs the American Riviera · April 7, 2026 · 43 min
• Have a Seat, The Casting Director Will See You Shortly – The Legends of Juliet Taylor & Ellen Lewis · March 13, 2026 · 36 min
• Everyone's a Casting Director – The First-Ever Academy Award for Achievement in Casting with Host Frances McDormand · March 4, 2026 · 1h 16m