Ephrata Cloister - Ephrata, Pennsylvania - religious community with tours and educational programs

The Ephrata Cloister, which was founded in 1732, is one of the oldest religious communities in the United States. At its peak in the 1740s and 50s, around 300 people joined together to live, work, and worship as part of the Cloister. Today, this is a National Historic Landmark that offers visitors tours, special educational programs, and options for research.

Tours at the Ephrata Cloister are available on a daily basis. A number of areas can be viewed as part of a self-guided tour, but there are some parts of the Cloister that can only be seen as part of their guided tour. These areas include the Saron (the Sisters' House) and the Saal (the Meetinghouse). Guided tours begin with an orientation video that lasts about 15 minutes and gives a brief overview of the history of this site, and the tour through the Cloister itself lasts roughly one hour. Tours are available in German on a limited basis.

Along with the Sisters' House and the Meetinghouse, there are a number of other buildings and sites to view, including Conrad Beissel's House, the Waver's House, the Academy, God's Acres, the Bake House, the Physician's House, the Small Bake House, the Kedar (communal dormitory), the Bethania (Brothers' House), the Printing Office, the Carpenter's House, the Amphitheater, the Stable, the Maintenance Barn, Shady Nook Farm, the Workshop, and Mount Zion Cemetery. A number of these locations, including the Kedar, the cemetery, and the Bake House, are part of the original Cloister found on the site since the 1700s.

While visiting the Ephrata Cloister, guests can participate in one of the education programs offered to help visitors of all ages learn more about this type of community. Community Days are available often throughout the year. These special days give visitors a chance to see hands-on demonstrations at learning stations. There are also history classes, which features lectures and workshops, as well as other programs that focus on things like historic dress, colonial pastimes, foods of the past, and more. Other events held at the Cloister include Lantern Tours, Christmas at the Cloister, Apple Dumpling Day, Ephrata Cloister Chorus Concerts, and Charter Day.

The Ephrata Cloister has a small museum that shows guests a number of original artifacts from the area. Guests who enjoy their visit to the Cloister can help to preserve this location by volunteering on site. There are options to be a tour guide, living history demonstrator, museum store assistant, chorus member, events helper, gardener, or greeter. Visitors can also become a member of the Ephrata Cloister Associates to receive a 10% discount to the museum store, the Chronicon newsletter, special discounts for members, and special invitations to members-only events.

The Ephrata Cloister is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM. They're closed Mondays and Tuesdays during January and February. Admission costs $9 for adults and $6 for children under 12, with special discounts for seniors, motor clubs, and groups. For more information call 717-733-6600.