SHAKER VILLAGE: Open Year Round
HISTORIC FARM PROGRAM: April-October Only 10 AM - 4:30 pm (Admission to the historic farm program is included in the Village Admission Price)
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill's Historic Farm program began in the spring of 1995. Areas on the east end of the village, along with an unused tobacco barn, have been converted for use as an agricultural interpretation site. Currently, approx. 4 acres of land are farmed using 19th century, horse-drawn machinery. Several different crops, including corn, tobacco, sorghum and a variety of garden vegetables are grown and interpreted to school children and the visiting public.
Purebred livestock of the breeds the Shaker's raised are raised, trained and worked throughout the village. The Historic Farm staff interprets 18th, 19th and 20th century regional and national agricultural practices - helping the visitor gain a better understanding of the agricultural community that makes up Mercer Co. and the outer Bluegrass region of KY.
Approx. 98,000 people toured the village during 2001 with better than 50% visiting the historic farm. A variety of different school programs, special events and workshops are offered throughout the year. In 2001, more than 14,000 school children participated in the "Sheep to Shawl" and "Fall of the Farm" programs. Other special school programs include - "How Does Your Garden Grow", "Our Vanishing American Livestock" and "Horses and Oxen".
Two adult workshops, "So You Want to be a Farmer" and "The Draft Horse" workshops are scheduled and attended by approximately 100 people annually. Other special events, including "The 19th Century Country Fair" attract visitors from throughout the region.
The Historic Farm Program at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers visitors an opportunity to see farm work done as it was in the 19th century.
Heirlooms varities of vegetables are grown and heritage breends of livestock are used to show how and why the Shakers were considered the finest agrians in their region.
DIRECTIONS:
Located on U.S. 68, 24 miles southwest of Lexington or 7 miles northeast of Harrodsburg.
