Who operates the Historic Ephrata Cloister? Who is the PHMC? Who are the Ephrata Cloister Associates?

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the Ephrata Cloister from the German Seventh Day Baptist Church in 1941. When the Commonwealth acquired the surviving elements of the historic site they began an extensive program of restoration and interpretation. Today, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is the administering agency of the Ephrata Cloister for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

The Ephrata Cloister Associates, incorporated in 1958, as a non-profit organization composed of interested persons who are dedicated to the promotion of the Ephrata Cloister through the sponsorship of special Cloister related events such as the Lantern Tours, Apple Dumpling Day and Day of Music, Christmas at the Cloister, the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, the Student Historian program, and other educational programs for special audiences. The Associates also maintain the Museum Store, which specializes in Cloister related books, gifts, and hand-crafted items.

 Volunteers of the Ephrata Cloister Associates also operate the site two days a week with volunteer guides and provide vital support for educational programs, group tours, and school programs.    

Today, the PHMC and the Ephrata Cloister Associates work together as partners to preserve and interpret for citizens and visitors, this 18^th century religious community as a meaningful example of religious toleration and intellectual freedom in the New World and of the significant role Pennsylvania played in the human rights issue of freedom of religion and expression.  

 What cuts were made in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) due to last year's budget crisis?

Last year, the PHMC’s portion of the Keystone Fund was entirely diverted from the PHMC into the government’s general fund. In the past, the PHMC had received Keystone funding annually from 1994 through 2008. This funding was intended to be used for maintenance and preservation projects at the historic sites and museums. This fund was critical because it replaced things like failed roofs, rotten joists and siding, and was also used to paint buildings and fund mechanical system upgrades. The loss of the Keystone funds meant that some maintenance, exhibit and planning projects were discontinued and that many scheduled maintenance projects were delayed.

The loss of the Keystone Funds coupled with the cut of nearly $6 million in PHMC’s General Government Operations appropriation, also resulted in 108 PHMC employees receiving furlough notices last year, the closing of 11 historic sites and reductions at the remaining sites administered by the PHMC.

Effectively, these cuts not only meant the loss of funding for maintenance and preservation but also the loss of nearly 1,000 years of staff experience and the dismantling of the premiere statewide public history organization in the United States.

 How was Ephrata specifically affected by the budget cuts?

While the Ephrata Cloister was not one of the eleven sites that were closed, we were still affected greatly. Three employees received furlough notices at the Ephrata Cloister which resulted in the loss of the ability to execute as many public programs as we did in the past. This also meant the site now needed to be staffed two days a week by the Ephrata Cloister Associates. Funding to our site was also reduced and some maintenance projects deferred until funds become available again. In the past, costs such as maintaining the Cloister grounds, buildings and accessibility were covered by the state budget—but this may no longer be the case as the state budget continues to tighten.

 What is projected for this upcoming budget?

Should the Keystone Funds be again diverted to the General Fund in fiscal year 2010-2011, the result could be another 35 to 45 furloughs and the possible closure of the remaining sites including the Ephrata Cloister. This could also mean that the Ephrata Cloister would need even more support from the Ephrata Cloister Associates to keep the site running the way it has in the past.

 What expenses are the Ephrata Cloister Associates expected to cover this year?

The Ephrata Cloister Associates have been asked to take a larger role in the operations of the Ephrata Cloister. Their role in helping to preserve, maintain, and interpret the Ephrata Cloister is critical.  They have already been asked this year to help preserve and protect both the history of the Ephrata Cloister and the safety of our visitors. That is why this year’s annual appeal is so important. 

 What are the immediate concerns for Ephrata?

Again, if the Keystone Funds are not restored the Ephrata Cloister could lose additional staff. If additional staff is lost, the Ephrata Cloister would need more support from the Ephrata Cloister Associates through additional funding and volunteers to be able to open its doors for guided tours, public programs, special events, and school tours. Our other concern is that maintenance projects at the site could greatly suffer. We are counting on your donation now more than ever to help us stay open, safe and beautiful. 

 Why should I choose to support the Ephrata Cloister when so many other organizations are asking for my donation?

Last year over 21,000 people and 1,400 schoolchildren visited the Ephrata Cloister. People from all over the world come to visit us and these visitors stay in local hotels, patronize local businesses, and support our local economy. The Ephrata Cloister is one of the most significant examples of architecture in the nation, and today, nine original buildings are part of a 28-acre complex that is open for visitors to enjoy. The Ephrata Cloister is more than a museum! Educational programs, special community events, weddings, family pictures, have all occurred on our grounds.  

The Ephrata Cloister is also one of only 313 museums to be accredited by the American Association of Museums three times. That honor only goes to a small percentage of museums. The accreditation process ensures that museums like the Ephrata Cloister meet the highest of professional standards. Therefore, accredited museums are reviewed every fifteen years.  The Ephrata Cloister was originally accredited in 1984 and then subsequently in 1996 and 2008.  As an accredited museum, the Ephrata Cloister joins a list of some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions including Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, The White House, Winterthur Museum and Gardens, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

 How can I help?

Take Action: You can write a letter to your local representative. Click here for a link to a sample letter.

Support: You can support this year’s Annual Appeal. Please click here for a link to our appeal letter or click below to make a secure online donation. Remember no gift is too small to make a difference and all gifts are tax-deductible.

 

Volunteer: There are many volunteer opportunities at the Historic Ephrata Cloister. Please click here to learn more about volunteering. You can choose your activity, dates, and times based on your interest. We are a very welcoming, appreciative, and supportive community of volunteers and staff. Please consider joining the Ephrata Cloister family. For more information or to set up a meeting at the site to learn more please contact Andrea Glass-Heffner, Educational Program Coordinator, at (717) 733-6600.

Become a Member: We have several different membership levels. Members are invited to all Historic Ephrata Cloister events and receive a site newsletter, The Chronicon. Please click here for more information on becoming a member.