SACO – “Simple Gifts: The Alfred Shakers 1783-1931” will open Thursday, Aug. 11, at the Saco Museum.

The exhibition provides an opportunity to see items from the Alfred Shakers, including some that have never been displayed outside the Sabbathday Lake Community. The community is the only active Shaker community in the world and is home to the largest number of Alfred Shaker material anywhere.

The public is invited to celebrate the opening at a reception on the lawn of the museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11. The reception will include a brief opening ceremony and light refreshments under the tent accompanied by live music.

Sister Frances Carr of Sabbathday Lake said, “I am pleased that the Alfred story is being told in the gracious setting of the Saco Museum. Sister Mildred Barker, who came from the Alfred Community to Sabbathday Lake, would have been extremely pleased with this exhibition.”

The exhibit will be augmented with various programs, including a Thursday night lecture series beginning Aug. 25. Topics will include Alfred Shaker history, artists, poplarware, regional trade routes and cooking. In addition, a Shaker herb garden, developed by the Saco Bay Gardening Club, is flourishing on the museum grounds. A special evening program of Shaker music performed by the Enfield Shaker Singers is planned for Aug. 27 at the Temple in Ocean Park.

The museum gift shop will carry Shaker gift items, including herbs and teas. The exhibit will be on view through Oct. 30.

The museum, 371 Main St. (Route 1), will maintain the following hours for the exhibit: noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students and children and free, children under 6. It is free from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, call 283-3861, ext. 114, or visit www.sacomuseum.org.

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