The quality and depth of the Hancock collection ensures public exhibition of fine examples of objects relating to every aspect of Shaker life, while allowing for an active program of loans to other museums and traveling exhibitions organized by the Village. Among the rarest and most significant objects in the collection are 25 gift drawings that were created by the Shakers during the "Era of Manifestations" or "Mother Ann's Work". Ranking in the forefront of American folk art, these drawings engage us with their unique beauty and provide a richer understanding of Shaker spiritual life. Hancock's collection is divided into eight categories: - Furniture: 1,000 documented examples of the Shakers' distinctive form of design.
- Tools and Equipment: 4,200 artifacts associated with the Shakers' community and commercial enterprises.
- Household Objects: 3,700 examples of ceramics, glassware, woodenware, tinware, ironware, and basketry, produced by/or used by the Shakers.
- Architecture: 18 restored structures in situ and two additional Shaker structures that have been moved to Hancock to replace buildings razed by the Shakers.
- Art: 120 objects, including graphics of Shaker buildings and sites, and the largest single collection of gift drawings.
- Textiles: 1,500 examples of Shaker costumes, domestic textiles, and specialty products made and used by the Shakers or sold to outsiders and other Shaker communities.
- Commercial Graphics: 1,300 artifacts, including labeled seed packages and boxes.
- Archival: 2,000 imprints, 10,000 photographs, plus letters and manuscripts.
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