The Ephrata Cloister will be CLOSED til April 30.
Some of our collection is available to view online here. Activities to print can be found here.
Welcome to Historic Ephrata Cloister
Preserving a Legacy of William Penn’s Holy Experiment
Since its start in 1732, the Historic Ephrata Cloister has attracted visitors fascinated by the community’s unique lifestyle that allowed the creation of incredible architecture, original music, significant publications, and remarkable art. Originally, Ephrata was a retreat from worldly distractions where devoted members followed a disciplined life designed to prepare them for a heavenly existence. Today, you can explore the surviving historic site and discover the history and culture of an intriguing story in the nation’s past.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Responds to COVID-19
Due to the Governor’s order regarding COVID-19, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission offices and museums throughout the State are closed through Thursday, April 30, 2020. During this time, visitation at all sites is suspended. The public can access our grounds for pedestrian recreation; however, all facilities at PHMC sites and museums will be closed—including parking lots, restrooms, and visitor centers. All public programs and events are canceled.
We encourage practicing social distancing while enjoying the grounds of our historic sites and museums, avoiding groups and crowds. Visitors should be respectful of our grounds and use the bathroom before they leave home. Please take all trash with you when you leave.
Buildings and grounds are being monitored for security purposes.
Thank you for being a good steward of Pennsylvania’s historic sites and museums!
Any changes affecting visitation or other PHMC operations will be communicated quickly via PHMC and affiliates’ digital and social channels. Visit PHMC online or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health. For the full statement, click here.
A Householder Homecoming
Saturday, August 1, 2020
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