We have long since stopped gawking at the Shakers and ridiculing the things they made, and there are now seven major museums devoted exclusively to what we now see as their solid, handsome .buildings and their exquisitely simple furnishings:

CANTERBURY SHAKER MUSEUM , East Canterbury, New Hampshire, 03224. An original Shaker village founded in 1792, still occupied by Shaker Sisters. Tel. (603) 783-9822

FRUITLANDS MUSEUMS , Harvard, Massachusetts 01451. One of five museums on the grounds. Tel. (617) 456-3924

HANCOCK SHAKER COMMUNITY, INC. , Massachusetts 01201. A former Shaker village, now under restoration. Seventeen original buildings, including the Round Barn. Tel. (413) 443-0188

SHAKER MUSEUM , Old Chatham, New York 12136. Oldest and largest of the museums devoted to Shaker crafts. Tel. (518) 794-9105

SHAKER MUSEUM , Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community, Maine 04274. An original Shaker village founded in 1793, still occupied by Shaker Sisters. Tel. (207) 926-4597

SHAKERTOWN AT PLEASANT HILL, INC. , Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330. A restored Shaker village, of which twenty-seven original buildings remain. Dining and overnight lodging available in original buildings. Tel. (606) 734-5411

SHAKERTOWN AT SOUTH UNION , Kentucky, 42283. A large collection of artifacts, housed in the Centre House. Tel. (502) 542-4167