The Shakers built their first settlement 250 years ago in upstate New York. Shaker design is recognized around the world today for its simplicity and elegance. A religious group that first settled in the region in the late 1700s, the Shakers perfected a simple aesthetic that emphasized the practical and is characterized by the harmonious use of line, form, and proportion. This exhibition draws from two private collections of Shaker furniture and objects, including many items which have never before been exhibited in a museum context. The first half of the exhibition looks at Shakers at Work, focusing on the various trades in which the Shakers were engaged and their practical tools, designed without unnecessary ornament. The second half of the exhibitions, Shakers at Rest, features objects utilized in everyday life, such as chairs, tables, and storages boxes.