Hancock Shaker Village's 50th Anniversary Gala

Fifty years ago, a few visionary people saw the "For Sale" sign on the corner of Routes 20 and 41 on the Hancock/Pittsfield border and decided that the old Shaker village might be worth saving. That 1,000 acres could be purchased for $125,000 in the era of urban renewal makes the story all the more remarkable, according to Hancock Shaker Village president Ellen Spear (left with Peter Hansen, who wore a Senegalese caftan to the gala on August 6.) Over a half a century, Hancock Shaker Village has restored many of its beautiful buildings, including the iconic round stone barn that has become an emblem of the Berkshires. On Saturday night, Hancock Shaker Village celebrated half a century as an outdoor museum with a multifaceted gala that began with the opening of Simple Gifts: Contemporary Artists Celebrate the Shaker Legacy, an exhibition that will be on view (and sale) through October 15 when the work is auctioned by Sotheby's. Everyone then gathered in the stone barn for Shaker readings and songs by Tina Packer of Shakespeare & Company and the Cantilena Chamber Choir. Afterwards, there was dinner and dancing in an enormous tent followed by fireworks that rocked the community known as the City of Peace.

Jaime Berg of the Winthrop Estate with her father, Gil Asher; sculptor Henry Richardson with Sarah Stranahan of the New Economy Council.

Hancock Shaker Village educator Danielle Steinmann with artist Eric Drury.

Chesterwood executive director Donna Hassler with Massachusetts Cultural Council executive director Anita Walker; Berkshire Creative director Helena Fruscio with Andrew Altsman and Hancock Shaker Village CEO and president Ellen Spear.