Over the years the original shaker community in New York expanded to 24 communities scattered among eight states in the eastern United States Many people were attracted to their peaceful ways and clean crime-free villages Eventually the shakers paid a price for their celibacy however because without children to carry on their traditions and beliefs their number eventually dwindled to a very few today their villages are museums and their handicrafts are items for collectors nevertheless thee shakers will not be forgotten their search for a perfect existence where everyone was equal and lived in harmony is recorded in America history . the shakers will be remembered for their many fine products and inventions and for the contribution they made to society