SHELBURNE FALLS — The history of the Shakers and the role of women in that religious group is the topic for speaker Jane Crosthwaite at the Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St.
The program begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
A professor emeritus of religion at Mount Holyoke College, Crosthwaite is also the founder of the college’s Women’s Studies Program. Crosthwaite is interested in the roles of women in American religious history and Shaker history and art. Crosthwaite is co-author of “Millennial Praises: A Shaker Hymnal” and other works about Shaker life. She will talk about the Shakers, including those who lived at Hancock Shaker Village.
The Women’s Club meeting will start at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments and social time for club members and guests. This will be followed by a brief business meeting at 7 p.m., before Crosthwaite speaks.
Also, members may pay their annual dues of $25 at this meeting. The Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club was founded in 1925 and supports and sponsors the Bridge of Flowers, a scholarship fund and other community and civic projects.