Historic Ephrata Cloister

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Historic Ephrata Cloister Founded in 1732, the Ephrata Cloister was a German religious community known for creating unique architecture, printing, music, and art.
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Support Ephrata Cloister’s Historic Landscape Restoration Project with a t-shirt purchase! Our new long sleeve t-shirt f...
10/16/2026

Support Ephrata Cloister’s Historic Landscape Restoration Project with a t-shirt purchase! Our new long sleeve t-shirt features a combination of images from original 18th century Cloister artwork. The shirts are 100% cotton and come in sizes small-2XL. Only $29.99!

The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will be performing at Pathways Heritage Day this Saturday, Oc­tober 17 at 12pm noon at the h...
10/15/2026

The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will be performing at Pathways Heritage Day this Saturday, Oc­tober 17 at 12pm noon at the historic Brubaker Homestead, 414 Long Lane, East Earl, PA ~ Admission and parking are free. Listen to the Ephrata Cloister Chorus and enjoy a day full of history and so much more!

For more information about this event, please visit https://www.learningatpathways.org/heritage-day

Beautiful Fall colors are coming soon to Historic Ephrata Cloister! 🍁🍂You can experience this amazing historic site and ...
10/14/2026

Beautiful Fall colors are coming soon to Historic Ephrata Cloister! 🍁🍂

You can experience this amazing historic site and the gorgeous fall weather yourself by visiting! We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and on Sundays we are open 12pm to 4pm.

Have you taken any pictures of Ephrata Cloister during these fall months? Show us below!

📸Photo credit: Craig Benner

See Historic Ephrata Cloister in a whole new light at Candlelight Open House on Saturday, November 14th from 5:00pm-8:00...
10/13/2026

See Historic Ephrata Cloister in a whole new light at Candlelight Open House on Saturday, November 14th from 5:00pm-8:00pm!🕯🌙✨

The Ephrata Cloister’s buildings and pathways will glow with the light of candles during Candlelight Open House. This self-guided event allows visitors to explore the illuminated grounds at their own pace and step inside the historic buildings to encounter knowledgeable interpreters, skilled tradespeople, and historical demonstrators.

Throughout the night, learn the stories, trades, and traditions of Ephrata’s past and enjoy:
👪Family-friendly activities and happenings perfect for all ages.
🧵🛠Vendors and craftspeople displaying their unique, handmade wares!
🎵Performances by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus at 5:30pm and 6:30pm in the historic 1741 Meetinghouse. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis; wristbands are required for entry and are free with admission.
🔥📜Fireside tales and tellings at the bonfire as well as sweet treats available by donation!
🪦Costumed interpreters in the cemetery to learn about Ephrata’s historic burial grounds.

No advance registration is necessary for this event! Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online. Tickets to Candlelight Open House are $10/person. Members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates and children age 5 and under receive free admission to this event. To purchase tickets online visit: https://ticketscandy.com/e/candlelight-open-house-21617

During this event, the Shady Nook Barn, the Museum Store at Ephrata Cloister, will be open for you to complete your seasonal or holiday shopping early! Shop hand-made items, books, and colonial toys perfect for your home, your family and friends, or yourself!

Don’t miss this chance to experience Ephrata’s rich history brought to life after dark. Visit our website for more information: https://ephratacloister.org/events/candlelight-open-house-6/

Are you ready for a Day of Music? 🎵🎻🎶 From 1pm-3pm today, Sunday October 11th, various musical performances will be happ...
10/11/2026

Are you ready for a Day of Music? 🎵🎻🎶 From 1pm-3pm today, Sunday October 11th, various musical performances will be happening at Historic Ephrata Cloister. Don't let the rain stop you from coming to this event because the performances will be indoors! 🎶

At 1:00pm, Phyllis Sands will perform Classical Piano in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
At 2:00pm, The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the 1741 Meetinghouse, the Saal, due to inclement weather.

These musical performances invite audiences to enjoy the rich musical legacy of the 18th century featuring original compositions by members of the historic Ephrata community as well as selections from other early American musical traditions, European classical works, and global musical traditions.

The performance by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus will include compositions composed here at the Cloister, a Pennsylvania Dutch song about the Germans arriving in Baltimore in the colonial era, a “fun” song “Schpinn, Schpinn” which is about a mother and daughter and a task that the mother wants for her daughter to do. They will also have several pieces of other communities of early America such as the Shakers, and the Moravians. There will be a time of audience participation using hymns found in the hymnal published in 1852 for the Snow Hill Community (sister to the Ephrata Cloister) and used in the final years of the Ephrata community.

Seating on-site is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for the best seating options. This event is rain or shine.

✨Admission to this event is $10/adult, $9/senior, and $7/students (ages 6-17). Children under 5 and Ephrata Cloister Associates members get in for free! ✨
Explore the grounds and hear the sounds of history! For more information visit https://ephratacloister.org/events/day-of-music-5/ Join us for this special musical event celebrating the enduring legacy of music at Ephrata Cloister!

Apple Dumplings are now sold out folks 🍎🍏 THANK YOU all for the tremendous support! Event proceeds go to the Back to the...
10/10/2026

Apple Dumplings are now sold out folks 🍎🍏 THANK YOU all for the tremendous support! Event proceeds go to the Back to the Cloister Fund which helps bring historic items back to the Cloister. We greatly appreciate everyone who purchased these tasty treats and helped preserve history. And a big thank you to all the amazingly dedicated volunteers who made it happen! 👏🙌

Missed out on Apple Dumplings? You can still support the Cloister by coming to Day of Music tomorrow Sunday, October 11th from 1PM - 3PM! 🎼🎵Hear historic music brought to life by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus and guest musicians! For more information about this event, please visit https://ephratacloister.org/events/day-of-music-5/

APPLE DUMPLING DAYS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT! 🍏🍎There are ONLY 100 apple dumplings available for purchase starting at 9:00am ...
10/09/2026

APPLE DUMPLING DAYS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT! 🍏🍎There are ONLY 100 apple dumplings available for purchase starting at 9:00am tomorrow, Saturday October 10th. Get them while supplies last, we expect them to be sold out by mid-morning!

Buy some delicious apple dumplings and help support the Back to the Cloister Fund. The fund brings historic items back to the Cloister, and over 100 artifacts have been returned since its creation! The apple dumplings, made by Achenbach's in Leola, are $6 each and will be available to purchase at the drive-through tent. There is no guarantee that supplies will last until the end of the day on Saturday, so come early to secure your purchase of these sweet treats!✨

For more information call us at 717-733-6600 or visit our website www.ephratacloister.org

The Apple Dumpling Days are an old tradition at Historic Ephrata Cloister! 🍎🍂 Buy some delicious apple dumplings and hel...
10/09/2026

The Apple Dumpling Days are an old tradition at Historic Ephrata Cloister! 🍎🍂 Buy some delicious apple dumplings and help support the Back to the Cloister Fund. The fund brings historic items back to the Cloister, and over 100 artifacts have been returned since its creation!✨

🍏🍎On Friday, October 9th 9am to 3pm and Saturday, October 10th 9am to 1pm (or sold out), are our Apple Dumpling Days! The apple dumplings, made by Achenbach's in Leola, are $6 each and will be available to purchase at the drive-through tent. There is no guarantee that supplies will last until the end of the day on Saturday, so come early to secure your purchase of these sweet treats!✨

If you are ordering 20 or more, free delivery is available within 10 miles of Historic Ephrata Cloister. These orders must be placed by October 8th by contacting [email protected]

For more information call us at 717-733-6600 or visit our website www.ephratacloister.org!

THIS WEEKEND will be full of history, food, and music at Historic Ephrata Cloister! 🍂🍎🎶🍏🍎On Friday, October 9th from 9am...
10/07/2026

THIS WEEKEND will be full of history, food, and music at Historic Ephrata Cloister! 🍂🍎🎶

🍏🍎On Friday, October 9th from 9am to 3pm and Saturday, October 10th 9am to 1pm, are our Apple Dumpling Days! Buy some delicious apple dumplings and help support the Back to the Cloister Fund. The fund brings historic items back to the Cloister, and over 100 artifacts have been returned since its creation!✨The apple dumplings, made by Achenbach's in Leola, are $6 each and will be available to purchase at the drive-through tent. There is no guarantee that supplies will last until the end of the day on Saturday, so come early to secure your purchase of these sweet treats!✨If you are ordering 20 or more, free delivery is available within 10 miles of Historic Ephrata Cloister. These orders must be placed by October 8th by contacting [email protected]

🎼🎵On Sunday, October 11 from 1pm to 3pm, The Ephrata Cloister Associates will present its annual Day of Music. At 1:00pm, Phyllis Sands will perform Classical Piano in the Visitor Center Auditorium. At 2:00pm, The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform in the Amphitheater, filling the site with voices as it was centuries ago. In the event of inclement weather, the Ephrata Cloister Chorus performance will be moved to the 1741 Meetinghouse, the Saal. Enjoy the rich musical legacy of the 18th century featuring original compositions by members of the historic Ephrata community as well as selections from other early American musical traditions, European classical works, and global musical traditions. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. Admission is $10/adults, $9/seniors, and $7/youth ages 6 to 17. Free admission for ECA members and children ages 5 and under. Seating on-site is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and arrive early for the best seating options. This event is rain or shine.

For more information on these events, visit our website www.ephratacloister.org or call us at 717-733-6600!

Sister Föben and Brother Obed Take home the purrfect gift for the cat lovers in your life - or for yourself!New enamel p...
10/04/2026

Sister Föben and Brother Obed

Take home the purrfect gift for the cat lovers in your life - or for yourself!
New enamel pins, stickers, and tote bags by Thistlefinch designs featuring tabby and black cats with Fraktur motifs are now in stock.
Pin - $11.99
Water resistant sticker - $3.99
Tote Bag $17.99
Finger Puppets by Folkmanis $11.99

Address

632 W Main Street
Ephrata, PA
17522

Opening Hours

Thursday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(717) 733-6600

Website

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