Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! . Guided tours. By 1750, there were 80 celibate brothers and sisters residing here. Thanks for visiting! Most of the teaching focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Interesting. (Easter Monday). Two holiday programs are offered in December. What attractions are near Ephrata Cloister? Your receipt from Ephrata Cloister is good towards reduced adult admission at any of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) historic sites and museums listed on the Pennsylvania Trail of History website. Very disappointing. Several members protested the tax on religious grounds and wound up spending several days in jail before being released to argue their case in court. A Weavers House contained work for all members of the Ephrata community. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Archaeology conducted in the 1990s offers only clues to a large structure located at this site between the mid-1730s and about 1800. At the Visitor's Center you will watch a short film explaining the beginnings of this settlement and its history. Admission is $7.00 for everyone age 3 and above. A small structure, perhaps a workshop, stood between the Saal and the creek. Things to do In Ephrata Cloister - Best Things to do List Gift shop available. Date of experience: September 2019 Between his arrival here in 1732 and his death in 1768 he moved about six times. It is a peaceful walk along its grounds but make sure you have a tour guide to help explain the little details and share anecdotes that make a place truly come alive. Sue Fisher, President of Ephrata Cloister Associates, left, Elizabeth Bertheaud, historic site administrator with Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, center, and Rick Jackson, landscape . Friends, colleagues remember Michael Showalter, Ephrata Cloister museum Built without blueprints but craftmanship to last over 200 years. Written by STRYV Creative on December 26, 2019. Olivia Schlinkman, 14, of Ephrata, left, Jacey Varner, 14, of Reamstown, center, and 23-year-old Amanda Shirk, of New Holland look try to decipher the writing on gravestones at Ephrata Cloister. I am fascinated with the history of this place and looked forward to coming back and learning more. Groups of 10 or more people are asked to make a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance by calling the site. Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Ephrata Cloister - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Virtual Tour - Historic Ephrata Cloister Photo by PHMC/Elizabeth Bertheaud, 2012 Website. Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata | Roadtrippers Open today: Closed Save themamatravels 76 7 A Tranquil Transport Back in Time Review of Ephrata Cloister Reviewed September 17, 2022 When you walk through the gates, it feels like you've been transported back in time. Date (s): 12/26/2019 - 12/29/2019. Here he could study and write in private, hold gatherings, and welcome guests. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.pa.gov or phone toll free 1-866-PATRAIL. Watch an introductory video. He was drawn to Pennsylvania because of the promise of religious freedom offered by William Penn. 3001; Location: Ephrata Cloister, 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522; The main entrance is on the south side of Route 322 . Explore the city on sightseeing tours, soak up culture at museums and galleries, or choose from the many free things to do. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Hours & Admissions - Historic Ephrata Cloister Ephrata Cloister - Wikipedia The Visitor Center is the place to begin your exploration of Ephrata Cloister. Read our. The Printing Office of the Brotherhood was first established in the buildings on Mount Zion, then moved to Bethania (Brothers House) next door, but may have looked similar to the exhibit in this building. Very interesting museum concerning a religious sect, I believe prior to the Amish and Mennonites. A large monument marks the traditional location of the mass grave of Revolutionary War soldiers who died in the temporary hospital established at Ephrata during the winter of 1777-1778. More in-depth special focus school tours are available, as well as programs developed specifically for home schooled students. Bethania, the Brothers House, was built in 1746 and stood until 1908. 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For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.pa.gov or phone toll free 1-866-PATRAIL. The tour is around $9 per person. We highly recommend the Christmas at the Cloister event, which features the Ephrata Cloister Chorus singing Beisells four-part harmony compositions. They became known for their self-composed music, Germanic calligraphy called Frakturschriften and printing. We have wanted to visit the Cloister for a while to learn more about the history behind it, and even though it took a few years to get around to it, I'm so glad we finally got there. ), Limited Access (can be viewed from asphalt driveway or up grassy incline about 25), Limited Access (5 threshold at side door; packed dirt floor), Limited Access (Paved path from asphalt Parking Lot up steep incline 275 yards; inside cemetery no paved pathways, uneven ground), Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission: Josh Shapiro, Governor Nancy Moses, Chair Andrea Lowery, Executive Director. Research is continuing to investigate the structures and people who once lived on Mount Zion. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. !What a fascinating history!! The town of Ephrata is worth exploring too!! Ephrata Cloister brings back in-person lantern tours | fox43.com Between 1737 and 1741, a Prayer House was connected to Kedar. The Bake House and kitchen was likely a busy place when in operation. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. These are stories that are part of history, but they're on the fringes of our main story, said museum educator Michael Showalter, who also oversees the lantern tour productions. Official records, however, can only account for about 60 men who did not survive the winter. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. I was surprised when we walked out with a handful of stuff!. The natural place for him to go was Pennsylvania with the, they also owned farms nearby that were run by families that were also expected to be, You will witness German ingenuity in their architecture and you will see what it's like to live according to the severe rules. Ephrata, PA - Ephrata Cloister Tour - Roadside America Address: 632 West Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522 The Carpenters House is typical of the earliest homes in Ephrata and may be one of the oldest surviving structures on the site. The Cocalico Creek and the Spring offered a constant source of cool fresh water, attracting animals and people alike. PA At Historic Ephrata Cloister you can: Explore this 28 acre National Historic Landmark. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Visitor Tips and News About Ephrata Cloister Tour. The Cloister is now open to the public without reservation Thursday through Sunday. The cloister was built as a religious community by German settlers in the 1720s. Hours and schedules subject to change without notice. Ephrata Cloister is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History. We could only walk around the grounds on our own which would have been fine, but most of the buildings were locked. Tax records from the mid-18th-century also indicate the community owned one or two horses and a few cattle. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road. Ephrata Cloister is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History. Ephrata Cloister. The guided portion is about 45 - 50 minutes in length. About a mile downstream the Brotherhood ran a water-powered saw mill, grain mill, paper mill, fulling mill, and oil mill. Even after the large dormitories were constructed for the Brothers and Sisters, some Solitary members chose to live by themselves, or in smaller groups, outside the communal houses. The Saron Bake Oven was constructed in the early 1820s, likely to serve the needs of the few residents renting space in Saron during the later years of the community. The Maintenance Barn was constructed in the 1960s to provide work space for the site staff. The Cloister is open to the public Wednesday from 12 noon to 4p. The audience for each tour will be limited to 15 people. Ephrata Cloister 632 W Main St, Ephrata , Pennsylvania 17522 USA 12 Reviews View Photos $ $$$$ Budget Closed Now Opens Thu 9a Independent Credit Cards Accepted Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Seating Add to Trip Learn more about this business on Yelp. The Bluebird Tour Program is a program of the Prince William Area Agency on Aging, operated by DC Trails, Inc. Quality Tour Transport, Inc., and has been serving Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park for over 25 years. You may also do a self guided tour- each building has a code to scan and listen to audio tour. Our male guide was very good at bringing you back to the 1700s to vision life then. Historic Ephrata Cloister to renovate amphitheater; here's how to help The tours run through Dec. 30. Each of the buildings three main floors contains a kitchen, a room for eating, two common workrooms, and about 12 sleeping chambers, one chamber for each sister. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.pa.gov or . Their time was mainly devoted to prayer and serving the community. A Tranquil Transport Back in Time - Review of Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata Mine Horror Ride, Museum, Giant Bread Loaf. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.pa.gov or phone toll free 1-866-PATRAIL. You certainly wont want to miss it this coming season! Copyright 2023 Historic Ephrata Cloister | All rights reserved. Date(s): 12/26/2019 - 12/29/2019Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Copyright 2023 Historic Ephrata Cloister | All rights reserved. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The farm house stood next to the present Visitor Center. Events - Historic Ephrata Cloister One of America's earliest religious communities, the Historic Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Ephrata Cloister - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Lots of great choices. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 17522, Lancaster, A compromise was eventually reached that the community would pay land taxes but not the Single Man Tax. Ephrata Cloister is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History. An experiment in a monastic lifestyle around a core of 80 celibate members at its peak. Ephrata Cloister: The Religious Community that Started It All Mostly celibate religious utopia ran out of steam in the 18th century, but tour of large property and restored buildings allows a new generation to consider their beliefs and life style. Since its start in 1732, the Historic Ephrata Cloister has attracted visitors fascinated by the communitys unique lifestyle that allowed the creation of incredible architecture, original music, significant publications, and remarkable art. Meanwhile, a fire burned inside the dome shaped oven, heating the brick. Cloister Gardens Apartments is located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania in the 17522 zip code. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for Seniors (age 65+), $7 for youth age 6 to 17, $5. Review of Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata, PA - Tripadvisor Admission fees subject to change without notice. When the site is open from 9-5, tours will be on the hour with the first tour at 10:00 Ask the Community Ask a question Wish we could have toured on our own but not an option. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. It was founded in 1732 by German settlers looking to broaden their views on religion. The building is used for special programs and exhibits. Was there but only did museum, movie and grounds. The community consisted of celibate males and females, brothers and sisters, and married couples. More, LAPD Museum, Los Angeles, California (Jul 3-9, 2023). Once home to a community of monastic individuals, the Cloister now serves as a historic landmark highlighting the achievements and lifestyle of our town's original settlers. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased by calling the Historic Ephrata Cloister at (717)733-6600. All rights reserved. The west end of this structure, built about 1735, is among the oldest structures on the site. Seamstresses and tailors among the community sewed the white monastic robes. Members of the Brotherhood, such as Brother Sealthiel (Sigmund Landert) and Brother Kenan (Jacob Funk), were skilled carpenters who not only built structures but produced furniture for the communitys use. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. What restaurants are near Ephrata Cloister? You start off by watching a video on how Ephrata began and by whom and why. Check availability! EPHRATA CLOISTER - cob-net.org The Museum Store at Ephrata Cloister offers books, prints, handmade crafts and fine gifts. Advance tickets are requiredand can be purchased by calling the Visitor Center (717-733-6600) beginning December 1, 2019. It was best known for its original art and music, distinctive Germanic architecture, and significant publishing center. This National Historic Landmark is open for Self-Guided Tours on Wednesday afternoons and Guided Tours Thursday through Sunday. Tickets Cemetery Tours at Ephrata Cloister By PHMC/Ephrata Cloister ( other events) Historic Ephrata Cloister 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522 Sun, Oct 23 2022 2:00 PM Sun, Oct 30 2022 3:30 PM There are currently no upcoming dates for Cemetery Tours at Ephrata Cloister. All rights reserved. Mainspring for Residents, Mainspring for Businesses, Mainspring for Visitors. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Got to see it on a day they were closed but the gate was open, whoops sorry I'm not sorry. 272 intersection, on Rt. They do have a guided tour, however, I opted for self guided due to my limited mobility. Beissel and many of his followers chose a life of celibacy and referred to each other as brethren. Accessible: (Handicapped Accessible Restrooms), Limited Access (1 step, 7 rise; interior doorways limit wheelchair access), Limited Access (3 threshold; 26 doorway; interior doorways and spaces limit wheelchair access to certain areas), Saal Kitchen (to rear): Limited Access (3 threshold; 3 steps to main level, 8 rise), Limited Access (1 step, 7 rise; 28 doorway), Limited Access (paved ramp to deck or 2 steps, 6 rise; 23 doorway; interior seating arrangements may limit wheelchair mobility), Difficult Access (viewable from main path, no paved paths inside cemetery, uneven ground), Lower level: Accessible: (3 threshold; brick floor) Upper level): Difficult Access (3 steps, 9.5 rise), Accessible: (viewable from main paved path) Garden: Limited Access (paved path to gate; 2 wide dirt pathways inside garden), Difficult Access (3 steps, 9 rise; 25 doorway; interior 4 threshold), Accessible: (viewable from the uneven large stone path at door), Limited Access (can be viewed from main paved path; access to interpretive panel 15 off path accessible through the grass), Accessible: (wooden ramp to deck or 2 steps, 7 rise), Difficult Access (3 steps, 6 rise; 30 doorway), Difficult Access (can be viewed from the rear from the main paved path; lower level can be reached by paved path to Carpenters House then about 30 through uneven grass area to theater. Once home to a community of monastic individuals, the Cloister now serves as a historic landmark highlighting the achievements and lifestyle of our towns original settlers. Impressively, their 2020 virtual holiday event won an award of excellence from The American Association for State and Local History. Everything is rustic because everything except the visitor's center is original. The Ephrata Cloister is one of America's earliest religious communities. Knowing what our town is like today, its pretty wild to think that it started as one of the nations first religious communities. Visitors, staff, and volunteers may continue to wear masks on our properties if they so wish, but it is no longer a requirement. The Workshop once stood several miles away and was moved to the historic site in the early 1940s. When Conrad Beissel arrived in 1732, he chose to live near the spring. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Adult: $10.00 Seniors (65+) & Discount: $9.00 Youth (3-11): $6.00 Children under 3: Free Ephrata Cloister will be closed on Easter Sunday. After the death of its founder, the group's no-sex appeal failed to attract more ascetics, and the property eventually ended up administered by the state, with lots of volunteer support. Ephrata Cloister: Lantern Tour during Christmas Season - See 366 traveler reviews, 369 candid photos, and great deals for Ephrata, PA, at Tripadvisor. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. The museum store will be open during operating hours.. Mon.-Thurs . Select apartments include washers, dryers and dishwashers. Phone: 717-733-6600 Save to My Sights Results 1 to 2 of 2. Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata - Tours and Activities | Expedia Fulton Bank | Fulton Bank You will be taken by a tour guide through the extensive houses and buildings on this lovely acreage. Gift shop is OK, admission is reasonable. Members continued to worship at the Cloister until 1934. Each year, we offer a new story with a cast of junior and senior high school students playing the roles that bring history to life. With the price of admission, one could be part of a tour group with a guide who knows a great deal about the history of the area and those who lived there. Members sought spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards, choosing Saturday as their main day of worship. Tours begin every half hour starting at 6 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. each evening. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased by calling the Historic Ephrata Cloister at (717)733-6600. The Historic Ephrata Cloister, located at 632 West Main Street, features 30 acres of land and buildings that date back to the mid-1700s. We did the self-guided tour, and probably missed some context. Lantern Tours. We were there on a Thursday in May - a beautiful day. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sadly due to staffing shortages, we were still closed on Thursdays in May. on April 26, 2022 Don't mistake the best Things to do In Ephrata Cloister, things to do and iconic places to visit in Ephrata Cloister. more. So I think it helps visitors learn that there's a lot of things to discover here in the community.. Nice. search by city, state, property name, neighborhood, or address. 272 and Rt. Ephrata Cloister Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. What's open: Tours of the main buildings are by appointment only. Got a question about Ephrata Cloister? Lantern Tours - Historic Ephrata Cloister Trails of History Sites Information : Trails of History : Resources Lantern Tour during Christmas Season - Review of Ephrata Cloister However, if you would rather eat off property, the Cloister is conveniently located near some of the Boroughs best eateries. With the price of admission, one could be part of a tour group with a guide who knows a great deal about the history of the area and those who lived there. Historic Ephrata Cloister is hosting their annual lantern tours this week, returning to an in-person format after going virtual last year due to the pandemic. There are outdoor picnic tables for guests to enjoy a picnic lunch on site. The buildings are in a triangular formation with Beissel's house positioned with clear view of the brother's house, sister's houses and Mount Zion building. In the early 1840s, the enterprising teacher, Joseph Wiggins, also offered chemistry, measuring, surveying, and astronomy. Please contact Ephrata Cloister to learn more. Guided tours are offered daily. The Brethren was also credited for copying and illuminating manuscripts, printing books, and composition of original hymns with at least three women credited as their first documented women composers. Featuring a playground, community pool, skate park, and walking trails, Grater Park is the perfect place for visitors with energetic little ones in tow. The Stable is a reconstruction of the original building which once stood on this site.