A visit to Shaker Museum in Kentucky

Sometimes, Hammerhead is just full of little surprises for Betty Lou. Like last weekend when the sky was beautiful blue and he knew they were both needing some "road time”

Anytime we get back on the road Betty Lou has to sing that same old song. You know the one...."on the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again" and that is all Betty Lou ever remembers so I finish it off with a hound dog howl. We both laugh and into the wild blue yonder we head.

Betty Lou was slightly surprised when instead of heading east like the last few trips, the ol’ compass pointed due north.

“Do you have absolutely any idea where we are going?” she asked. Are we going to Lexington?
Maybe, was all the H-man said. That usually means I have something in mind, but no real idea how to get there.

“Are we headed to Bowling Green?” Betty Lou asked, noting the signs along I-65.

“In that general direction, but more in the boonies,” I explained. (I could tell by her face she thought it smelled like an obscure Civil War site to her.)

Well anyway, Betty Lou was enjoying the drive on a sunny, slightly crisp Saturday morning. Blue sky and open road is all she ever needs to start feeling relaxed again. There was some swearing and a little backtracking (which always makes her laugh) on my part before I could announce, “Ah ha!”

I had discovered a little sign proclaiming South Union near Auburn, Ky. Now headed in the correct direction, Hammerhead disclosed his intent. “We are heading to the Shaker community at South Union.”

. The Shakers were 19th century communal society. They were celibate, believed in racial and gender equality and freedom from prejudice. They lived their lives through a quest for simplicity and perfection in design and craftsmanship. Shaker-made goods are some of the most sought after antiques in the world.


Best known for its Centre House dwelling space, South Union was an active community from 1807 to 1922. At one time, the commune had 225 buildings and 6,000 acres of land. The 3 ½ story Centre House was built from handmade brick and hand-hewn limestone. It even had limestone gutters. There were separate living spaces for men and women. Two staircases leading to the same landing, but one was used by the women, one by the men. Betty Lou was surprised at how small the beds were and how barren the rooms.

Shaker Museum at South Union preserves the site, which features a large collection of Shaker furniture and fabrics.

South Union was a bit different from other Shaker communities in the United States because of its accommodations for the “people of the world,” including a 1869 tavern and inn built on a nearby railroad junction. The tavern was built as a business venture.
Among the 19th century dignitaries who visited were President James Monroe, President Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Sam Houston. Its architecture differs greatly from the stark simplicity of typical Shaker buildings. It features intricate brickwork, an ornate staircase and a columned facade. Visiting the site is a peaceful, calming experience.

“The tour was fascinating,” Betty Lou said. “I had no idea they lived that way.” (I think she was more then a little happy that we were not spending the weekend there though, no plush surroundings to enjoy!)


The Shaker Tavern is owned and operated by the Shaker Museum at South Union and is maintained as a bed and breakfast. It is located 1.25 miles west of the Shaker Museum at South Union on Highway 73 near Auburn, Ky. The Shaker Tavern offers six guest rooms that share a common area on the second floor landing. Accommodations include full breakfast and admission to the Shaker Museum.
We both agree that if you want a peaceful day trip this is a nice venture. Not to far from home but far enough to feel like you got lost in the past for a day.

Operating hours: The Shaker Museum at South Union is open for tours March 1-Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays (closed Thanksgiving). During Winter Hours (Dec. 1 Feb. 29), the museum is open for tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday, CST. The museum is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

For updated information, please call 800-811-8379, or 270-542-4167. http://www.shakermuseum.com/

How to get there from Middle Tennessee: Take Interstate 65 North to take exit 20 (Natcher Parkway). From Natcher Parkway, take exit 5 (US-68 / KY-80) and turn left (west) onto US-68 / KY-80. Continue west on US-68 about 10 miles to KY-1466 and turn left onto KY-1466 to the Shaker Museum.