During the 19th century, the Enfield Shakers produced as many as “2000 dozen” brooms per year. Begun at Watervliet, New York community, in 1798, the Shaker broom industry quickly became one of the most important industries for Shaker communities across the country. Brooms can also be seen as a symbol of an important Shaker ideal. Cleanliness was a spiritual and moral imperative. When Mother Ann Lee told her followers, “Sweep clean,” she was referring not only to the floor of the home, but also the floor of the heart.
Join our resident broom squire Larry Antonuk for a Turkey Wing Whisk Broom Workshop. Begin by learning to make a simple bundle whisk broom, including the knots and materials used to make all brooms. After you master the skills necessary to use a “tumble spool”, you will move on to the more challenging turkey wing whisk broom.
These traditional, functional, high quality and long lasting brooms are made from natural broom corn.
This Turkey Wing Whisk Broom workshop takes place in the historic Great Stone Dwelling dining room. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the Brethren’s West Shop and the historical equipment the Shaker Brother’s used to create their iconic brooms.
Class size limited to 8. Advance registration required.
Please bring a bag lunch, closed-toe shoes and a water bottle.
Cost:
Museum Members – $65/per person (includes materials)
Non-Members – $75/per person (includes materials)
*Please select the quantity of tickets you would like before clicking the “Get Tickets” button.
All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.
Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.
More about our Broom Squire Larry Antonuk:
Sometime in 2010, Larry Antonuk found himself on a tour of the Enfield Shaker Museum. While watching a Broom Making demonstration he became fascinated with the process, and wound up coming back for a private tutorial with Master Broom Maker Susan Brown.
One thing led to another, and Larry is now a frequent demonstrator at the Museum. He has researched and reproduced a variety of Shaker designs, and now sells his work in our Gift Shop. Larry is a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen, and can often be seen demonstrating at the Sunapee Fair.
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