By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
NEW LEBANON — On a winding road up Mount Lebanon in New Lebanon, Columbia County, a remarkable piece of history has been brought back to life with flair, imagination, and deep reverence.
The Ruins at Sassafras Museum, once the Shaker Second Family settlement, stands as a boutique museum that interprets the past in creative and unexpected ways, offering visitors both a glimpse into Shaker life and a celebration of artistry and innovation.
Unlike traditional Shaker museums that replicate the past, The Ruins at Sassafras embraces a philosophy of creative restoration.
“We’ve saved what’s here and infused it with elements that spark people’s imaginations,” said Carol Reichert, the museum’s visionary creator. “It’s not just about looking back — it’s about making history relevant and alive.”
The property, which is part of the Mount Lebanon Shaker Village — the National Historic Landmark once home to five distinct Shaker family groups — served as a thriving community from the late 18th century until 1938. The Second Family, whose legacy lives on here, specialized in running a successful seed business and producing cloaks, bonnets, quilts, and, most famously, chairs.
Today, Sassafras invites visitors to explore the treasures of this historic site. The museum features what is believed to be the last standing Shaker Chair Factory in America, a lovingly preserved structure where Shaker craftsmanship endured after the original Sister’s Workshop was lost to fire in 1923. Here, visitors can wander through beautifully restored spaces and imagine the rhythmic work of hands crafting chairs — practical, elegant, and iconic in their design.
The grounds are dotted with ruins that tell the story of Shaker ingenuity and resilience. Guests can visit the remains of the Sister’s Workshop, the Cow Barn, and the Hay Ramp, or hike to the serene cemetery, where 173 Shakers are buried. Trails wind through gardens, past waterfalls, streams, and the remnants of Shaker engineering, such as the underground water system that once sustained the settlement’s animals and crops.
From a Moroccan-inspired bar set in the chair factory to a grass quilt honoring Shaker women’s artistry, each detail reflects Reichert’s thoughtful touch.
“We call ourselves a boutique museum because every corner of this property is interpreted, not replicated,” Reichert explained. “It’s a fusion of what was and what could be.”
Founded in 1787 under the leadership of Mother Ann Lee, the Shakers expanded from Watervliet to Mount Lebanon, eventually growing to 600 members across five family groups: the North, Church, Center, Second, and South Families. Each group built its own workshops, outbuildings, and homes, forming an intricate community devoted to simplicity, equality and innovation.
Reichert’s work at The Ruins at Sassafras breathes life into this Shaker spirit while bridging it to the modern day. Whether hosting weddings, chamber music concerts, or local high school proms, the museum serves as a gathering place that celebrates the site’s history while engaging the community.
“When you walk these grounds, you feel something,” Reichert said. “You’re connected to their ingenuity, their respect for nature, and their belief in creating heaven on earth.”
For those seeking both history and beauty, The Ruins at Sassafras Museum offers a journey into the past — creatively reimagined and vibrantly alive. The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, April through December. There is handicapped parking and a golf cart tour for people with impaired mobility
For tours in the off season, you can contact Carol at carol@sassafrasruins.com.