Portrait of Sister Anna Dodgson

Anna became a Shaker in 1828 when she joined the Lebanon's Church Family. She worked making baskets, bonnets, and was a teacher and caretaker for girls in her community. The shakers believed in gender and race equality so women like Anna had overall respect within their religion. Women were allowed to participate in spiritual leadership roles with the men. Shaker women dressed in very plain clothing including dresses and bonnets.