Shaker Heritage is the site of the first Shaker settlement in America. The American Pharmaceutical Association credits the Shakers with establishing the first herbal medicine industry in the US c.1820. The Watervliet Shakers' first herbal products catalog of 1830 listed 147 items. By 1860, the list grew to almost 300 items. The herbal products business reflects the Shakers' story in general: how members of this communal, egalitarian, Christian sect collaborated to develop new processes and products that are still in use today. The site tour will include the museum's herb garden, which contains 150 plants, each labeled according to their historic uses. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the tour.
