Shaker Museum and Library

“Review process of 990 by governing body - the executive director of the museum or a designee distributes a copy of the completed form 990 to the audit committee before a meeting with the lead auditor from the auditing firm. The lead auditor and audit committee review the audited financials and form 990. The audit committee disseminates copies of the 990 and audited financials to the board of directors. The board of directors is given a deadline to inquire about any information in the form, which allows time for review and any required corrections before the actual form is filed. In addition, anitem is placed on the board of dirctors meeting agenda, which allows for follow-up discussion.”

“Conflict of interest monitoring - as part of the adopted conflict of interest policy and procedures, the museum developed a comprehensive disclosure form. All directorss and officers are required to file a renewal each year. The museum keeps the signed forms on file at the museum offices.”

“Executive compensation - pursuant to the museum's bylaws, members of the board of diretors receive no compensation for their services, although they may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expense reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties. Such reimbursements are subject to the expense reimbursement policy of the museum. As of december 31, 2024, the museum employed an interim executive director who manages the affairs and business of the museum, subject to general oversight and control of the chair and board of directors. The executive director serves as a non-voting member of the board, and of all committees of the board. To determine the executive director's compensation, prior to hiring and periodically, the executive committee researches comparable salaries in the museum field and in similarly situated non-profits, gauged by their size, location and similar stature to the shaker museum and library. Regional salaries for museums in the area are checked through the museum association of new york, and/or through contacts at area museums. Qualified candidates must be above average in their level of knowledge and experience, and have proven experience in development and fundraising for non - profits.”

“Public availability of documents - the museum provides copies of any governing documents, its conflict of interest policy and financial statements to any interested party after receiving either a written or a verbal request.”

“Shaker museum elevates shaker material culture to animate shaker values and beliefs and inspire individuals and communities to deepen bonds and seek meaningful approaches to social, economic, environmental, and spiritual issues.”

“Collections care and stewardship - with more than 18,000 objects, shaker museum stewards the most comprehensive collection of shaker material culture and archives. The museum's extensive collection and archive of shaker manuscripts, imprints, photographs, ephemera, and secondary shaker museum and library research materials attract visitors and researchers from the united states and abroad. The museum encourages and supports study and research in the collection, as well as its interpretation, through exhibitions organized by the museum and in collaboration with other institutions and through loans to other institutions. Museum staff also respond to inquiries from researchers and the public about shaker history and object provenance. Shaker museum's collection is displayed on its website, shakermuseum.us, with both information and images in an online database that is free and fully publicly accessible.”

“Historical site preservation and conservation - shaker museum stewards the north family historic site at mount lebanon. Founded in 1787, mount lebanon was the first official community organized by the shakers and was the leader in administrative and spiritual matters for all the shaker communities that emerged throughout new england and south and west into kentucky, ohio, and florida. Its community planning, architecture, commercial and industrial endeavors, as well as its spiritual practices, became models for the other shaker villages. At its peak in the mid-19th century, mount lebanon spanned over 6,000 acres and around 600 people lived and worked in hundreds of buildings. Within this central community the shakers developed their progressive ideas on gender equality, racial equality, pacifism, communal property, the value of labor, and sustainability. They also established the now famous shaker aesthetic of simplicity, expressed in their objects, furniture, buildings, and village planning. Today visitors to the north family encounter 10 original shaker buildings on 91 acres. Visitors are welcome year-round, weather permitting, to stroll the grounds, hike the north pasture trail, or have a picnic in the meadow.”