The Ephrata Cloister is CLOSED.
PHMC’s historic sites and museums, including Ephrata Cloister, will remain closed until further notice. Please watch our website and social media for important updates.
Winter History Class information can be found here.
View our new online exhibit “‘Singular, and of Ancient Style:’ The Architecture of Historic Ephrata Cloister” 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.
