The 1747 Inn
At the heart of the village stands a historic inn dating back to 1747, offering guests a connection to the region's rich history and heritage.
In the mid-1700s, the area became part of the mission work of the Moravians, a Protestant community known for their emphasis on education, skilled trades, and peaceful relations with Native peoples. In 1740, Moravian missionaries established the nearby mission settlement of Shekomeko, one of the first successful Christian missions to Native Americans in North America.
Where the Story of Craftsmanship Began.
What made the Moravians different from many other missionaries was their respect for craftsmanship, education, and community life. They lived among the Mahicans, learned their language, shared daily work, and built relationships based on mutual trust rather than domination. Their missionaries were often craftsmen themselves—woodworkers, carpenters, farmers, potters, and builders—who believed that skilled work was a form of service and worship.
The year 1747, when the historic inn at Hunt Craft Village was built, came immediately after the closing of the Shekomeko mission. Although the mission itself was forced out of New York by colonial authorities in 1744–1746, its influence remained throughout the region. The Moravian ideals of craftsmanship, education, hospitality, and community continued to spread through their settlements and schools across America.
