One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.
At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities.
Ephrata Cloister
632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522 Telephone (717) 733-6600 • Fax: (717) 733-4364Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Edward G. Rendell, Governor - Wayne S. Spilove, ChairmanBarbara Franco, Executive Director
With generous support from the Ephrata Cloister Associates a private, non-profit membership organization
Ephrata Cloister is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit
www.phmc.state.pa.us or phone toll free 1-866-PATRAIL.
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