Request for Proposals! Agricultural Use and Management of Historic Gardens at Canterbury Shaker Village
In the interest of preserving the historical garden space and honoring the deep and rich history of Shaker agrarianism, Canterbury Shaker Village (CSV or the Village) collaborates with farmers who actively use a portion of the property to facilitate and support local, organic food production while adding aesthetic value and historical interpretation to the landscape. The primary goal of this initiative is to activate the historic gardens for productive agricultural use while ensuring the preservation of the site's significant historical and cultural values. The selected proposal must be compatible with the site's mission, vision and values, and contribute to the visitor experience. (See attached Strategic Plan Summary for more information).
With the departure of our current farmer at the end of the 2025 growing season, CSV is seeking proposals from qualified farmers to utilize, manage, and cultivate the designated garden area within the National Historic Landmark property. CSV will provide use of a portion of its land, buildings and equipment and provide an opportunity for a local farmer or farm business to operate on CSV’s grounds. In turn, the farmer (Tenant) will grow and maintain an orderly and visually pleasing garden using organic practices to provide interpretive and aesthetic value for CSV and its visitors. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 am to 4 pm from mid-May through October, and on weekends through November, with occasional activities and events outside of those regular business hours.
