Hancock, MA

The town of Hancock in the Berkshires, was re-named for John Hancock in 1776, the year of its incorporation, from Plantation of Jericho, as it was called by the original settlers in 1762. Hancock Shaker Village was established there in 1790, becoming a thriving Shaker community before the movement’s mid-19th century demise. In 1960, the Hancock community was closed by the Shaker Central Ministry, and the next year Hancock Shaker Village, a non-profit museum was opened; it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1968.

Hancock Shaker Village 50th Anniversary

Hancock Shaker Village is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with an exhibition called True & Honest Before the World, which is curated by designer Michael Graves, television personality Al Roker, furniture maker Thomas Moser, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who lives in the Berkshires.

Hancock also is home to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, a year-round resort which includes the states largest ski area, Vacation Village At Berkshires, one-of-a-kind barn museum, a campground, a nudist camp, and twenty-four known and catalogued cemeteries.

Hancock, MA facts:

• Town Hall: Hancock, MA 01237
• Phone: (413) 738-5225
• Population: 721
• Settled/Inc’d: 1767/1776
• Named for: John Hancock
• Elevation: 1020′
• Demographic data: state.ma.us/cc/hancock.html

Hancock, MA hotels

Compare lodging rates, availability, and amenities at these Hancock, MA hotels and book room reservations:

• Vacation Village At Berkshires
• Bentley Brook Resort
• Jiminy Peak

Directions to Hancock destinations

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