Since I'm not familiar with Zone 5 I can't suggest specific plants and what works in one area may not work in another (even within a few blocks!).

I will say that deer shy away from odors and textures. Herbs and plants that have strong odors are generally deer resistant. Crinkly, velvety, spiky leaves tend to be resistant but their flowers may be eaten.

Lastly, the plants that are resistant may be less so in the shade. They seem to be more vulnerable (less smelly I guess).

Whatever you plant, protect them until the roots are established. First, plants are, again, more vulnerable at planting and deer will try them. Secondly, deer pull at plants rather than taking a bite, thus pulling plants out of the ground.

Here's a good article about deer "proofing" your yard. Best of luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Deer

Pieris tends to be deer resistant and would like the shade if the area isn't too dry. Small cultivars are available. Also deer resistant for shade is Microbiota decussata, a feathery,spreading evergreen groundcover for shade. (BTW, deer resistant or not, spray any new plant you put out. You want deer's first experience with it to be an unpleasant one.)

Rhus aromatica "gro-low" - the deer might nibble it but won't destroy it.

Nancy, I live in the mountains of zone 6. We have lots of deer. I have mass planted russian sage. It blooms from 3 to 4 months, smells like camphor and has beautiful pink violet flowers with silvery gray leaves. The deer won't touch it. I have also mass planted vinca minor as a ground cover on a steep slope. It is an evergreen and has lovely blue lilac flowers. They won't go near it.

Nancy, I stand corrected. The Russian Sage will not grow in a shaded area. Sorry about that. You might care to try it elsewhere as it is truly a beautiful long lived plant.
Robin