In 1792, after the Meetinghouse was constructed, the Shakers began building their cemetery. Jeremiah Willard sold an acre of land to the Harvard community for $13.12. To erect a stone wall around the land, the Harvard brethren labored for eight days, assisted by four yoke of oxen. They completed the task in early November 1799.
At least 331 Shakers were buried here between 1792 and 1929. In the 1850s, the Village population peaked at about 200 members and its landholdings totaled more than 2,000 acres. After the Civil War many of the members left and the population plummeted to under 40 by 1890.
In 1879 the Harvard Shakers began replacing individual stone markers with cast-iron lollipop markers. This is the only cemetery where the iron markers remain. In 1945 the Shakers deeded the cemetery to the town of Harvard, which currently provides upkeep. The stone marker saying “Harvard Shakers” was added by the town.
“A year ago to day the burying ground was burnt over, this last fall it was grown up & look worst then ever & it was mowed over and brush piled up. What next?”
—1879 Shaker journal entry
At least 331 Shakers were buried here between 1792 and 1929. In the 1850s, the Village population peaked at about 200 members and its landholdings totaled more than 2,000 acres. After the Civil War many of the members left and the population plummeted to under 40 by 1890.
In 1879 the Harvard Shakers began replacing individual stone markers with cast-iron lollipop markers. This is the only cemetery where the iron markers remain. In 1945 the Shakers deeded the cemetery to the town of Harvard, which currently provides upkeep. The stone marker saying “Harvard Shakers” was added by the town.
“A year ago to day the burying ground was burnt over, this last fall it was grown up & look worst then ever & it was mowed over and brush piled up. What next?”
—1879 Shaker journal entry
