The Ephrata Cloister

The Historic Ephrata Cloister preserves an outstanding example of religious liberty in early America. Begun in 1732 by German immigrants seeking a place of refuge, the community grew to include nearly 300 members in the mid-1700s. Together, they built outstanding Germanic architecture, crated some of the nation's first folk art, composed over 1000 hymns, and published the largest book made in the colonies before the Revolutionary War. The original celebrate members of this unique community died by 1813, but the existing married congregation continue to live and worship at the site until 1934. In 1941 the surviving original buildings, their contents, and 28 acres were acquired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a place to recognize the contributions the community offered to American culture, and to preserve the legacy of religious freedom in the nation.  All 28 acres have been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States government.

Today, the Historic Ephrata Cloister receives community support from the Ephrata Cloister Associates, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to administer the site.  Volunteers are an active part of that support and perform jobs such as leading tours, selling admission tickets, operating The Museum Store, singing in the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, and welcoming guests from around the world at special events throughout the year.