Mangan will discuss Shakers

Griff Mangan, of Alasa Farms in Alton, will be the guest speaker at the June 7 session of History at Noon at the Wayne County Historical Society. His topic will be the Sodus Shakers.

The Shakers, a religious sect, also known as the 'Shaking Quakers,' began in Manchester, England in the 1700's and arrived in New York City in 1774. Shakers believed that a life of celibacy, confession of sin, and hard labor was the only way to total redemption.

Their form of worship consisted of singing, shouting and violent trembling in their communication with God, and was scorned and considered profane by the traditional Christian religions of the time. A Shaker colony was established in Alton where Alasa Farms in now located and where Griff Mangan and his family now live.

The lecture will begin at 12:10 p.m. and attendees may bring a bag lunch if desired. Beverages will be provided by Zappia Vending, Inc. and dessert will be provided by the Society. Registration for this free event is required as seating space is limited. For more information or to register, contact the Society at 946.4943, Tuesday-Friday.

To learn more, check these links:

The Shaker Manuscripts

Shaker Museum in Kentucky

About Shaker Life

Shakers: The United Society of Believers