July 2014
Storytime at Ephrata Cloister
Bring your preschooler and join us for a different story each month followed by a craft or activity related to the story. From ABCs, colonial inspired nursery rhymes, gardens, to other themes and images of the history of the Ephrata Cloister, we’ll cover a wide range of topics and activities! A parent or guardian must accompany children. $6 for one adult and one child (3-5 years); $3 for each additional child- this includes general admission fees! FREE for Ephrata Cloister Associate…
Collections Storage Tours
Be a part of the behind the scenes tour of the Ephrata Clositer’s Collection.
Student Historian Saturday
Interact with our teen interpreters on select Saturdays this summer to learn, watch, and expand upon your knowledge of local history. They’ll demonstrate historical stories, trades, and answer your questions. Visit the Print Shop, Bakery, Physician’s House, and Academy with our student interpreters! General admission rates apply.
Collections Storage Tours
Be a part of the behind the scenes tour of the Ephrata Clositer’s Collection.
August 2014
Student Historian Saturday
Interact with our teen interpreters on select Saturdays this summer to learn, watch, and expand upon your knowledge of local history. They’ll demonstrate historical stories, trades, and answer your questions. Visit the Print Shop, Bakery, Physician’s House, and Academy with our student interpreters! General admission rates apply.
Family Fun Day
Join us for a great day out at the Historic Ephrata Cloister with games and food for the whole family.
September 2014
Storytime at Ephrata Cloister
Bring your preschooler and join us for a different story each month followed by a craft or activity related to the story. From ABCs, colonial inspired nursery rhymes, gardens, to other themes and images of the history of the Ephrata Cloister, we’ll cover a wide range of topics and activities! A parent or guardian must accompany children. $6 for one adult and one child (3-5 years); $3 for each additional child- this includes general admission fees! FREE for Ephrata Cloister Associate…
Sunday Conversations
Enjoy a visit with scholars as they present research about local history and culture.
October 2014
Storytime at Ephrata Cloister
Bring your preschooler and join us for a different story each month followed by a craft or activity related to the story. From ABCs, colonial inspired nursery rhymes, gardens, to other themes and images of the history of the Ephrata Cloister, we’ll cover a wide range of topics and activities! A parent or guardian must accompany children. $6 for one adult and one child (3-5 years); $3 for each additional child- this includes general admission fees! FREE for Ephrata Cloister Associate…
Day of Music and Apple Festival
Support the Back to the Cloister Fund by purchasing apple dumplings!
Community Days School Program
Students are welcome to explore the activities that made the community of Ephrata a thriving center of life in the colonial days.
Mysterious, Melancholy and Macabre
Enjoy chilling tales from classic Gothic literature in the shadow of 200 year old buildings.
Gideon’s Bones: A Family Trick or Treat
Find the bones of Brother Gideon’s gravestone and follow other clues on our 282 year old trail of history with costumed guides to lead the way.
November 2014
Storytime at Ephrata Cloister
Bring your preschooler and join us for a different story each month followed by a craft or activity related to the story. From ABCs, colonial inspired nursery rhymes, gardens, to other themes and images of the history of the Ephrata Cloister, we’ll cover a wide range of topics and activities! A parent or guardian must accompany children. $6 for one adult and one child (3-5 years); $3 for each additional child- this includes general admission fees! FREE for Ephrata Cloister Associate…
Make History Workshop
Engage in arts and crafts inspired by Ephrata’s past. Perfect for those who enjoy DIY activities, our workshops combine instruction, conversation, tradition, and activities into an enjoyable two hour learning experience. Make a small work of cross-stitch embroidery inspired by Sister Petronella’s 1768 sampler.
December 2014
Make History Workshop
Engage in arts and crafts inspired by Ephrata’s past. Perfect for those who enjoy DIY activities, our workshops combine instruction, conversation, tradition, and activities into an enjoyable two hour learning experience.
January 2015
Winter History Class
Winter History Class is an adult learning opportunity that brings together scholars, volunteers, staff and interested people to explore the history of Historic Ephrata Cloister, the wider Pennsylvania German world, and early Pennsylvania and local history.
Young Curators of our Community
Learn from our staff the basics for exhibiting a collection and share it with visitors to the Ephrata Cloister!
March 2015
Fraktur Workshop at the Ephrata Cloister
Tweens and teens are invited to the Ephrata Cloister for a special two-part workshop learning about and creating artwork featuring the calligraphy known as Fraktur.
Fraktur Workshop at the Ephrata Cloister
Tweens and teens are invited to the Ephrata Cloister for a special two-part workshop learning about and creating artwork featuring the calligraphy known as Fraktur.
April 2015
Landscape Artwork at the Ephrata Cloister
Be inspired by the lush landscape of the Ephrata Cloister. Students are invited to bring their arts and craft materials to the Cloister for a self-guided program.
May 2015
Mother’s Day Tea
Enjoy teas, gourmet baked goods, and fruit while learning of the challenges and enjoyments of women’s life in 18th century Ephrata.
June 2015
Master & Apprenticeship Father’s Day Family Program
Sign an 18th century style contract and learn what it might be like to be an apprentice in the Bakery, Carpenter’s House, and Print Shop.
July 2015
Colonial Summer Camp
Become a brother, sister, physician, school teacher, or craftsman through role play!
August 2015
Viewing the Immigrant Experience: Going Behind the Scenes in New York City
Please join us for a very special bus trip and fundraiser to benefit the educational programs of the Historic Ephrata Cloister.
September 2015
Founders Day Block Party
Join Ephrata Cloister in celebrating the many ways that the Ephrata Cloister has inspired visitors since its founding in 1732. This is the one time each year Ephrata’s visitors have the opportunity to tour the 2nd and 3rd floor of the 1743 sisters’ dormitory. As a special treat this year curator-led tours of the upstairs will focus on how the artists Andrew Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Henry Rankin Pore and Joseph Pennell visually interpreted those spaces in the 19th and 20th…
Artisans Faire & Car Show
Join us for the Third Annual Ephrata Cloister Artisans Faire on September 19th. This year the program has been expanded to include an Antique Car Show which includes a “country-side tour” to view a private collection of 20+ cars including a Duesenberg and Packard. Registration for crafters and antique cars is still open. To learn more contact the Ephrata Cloister at 717-733-6600 or visit our web site at: http://www.ephratacloister.org/events.htm Car and Crafter registration is separate with it’s own fee schedule.
August 2016
Ice Cream Social
Spend some time with friends and a visiting therapy dog while enjoying harp music and sweet treats. Radio personality Casey Allen will be on hand to dip up some great tastes from Turkey Hill Dairies. Be sure to bring the teenagers to meet our Student Historians. Cost for ice cream is $4.00/person.
September 2016
Artisans’ Faire
Discover the work of local artists at this show and sale of fine crafts. Continue the discovery by visiting the Arts and Craft Fair in downtown Ephrata that same day. As a special bonus, limited admission to the upper levels of the Sister’s House will be available (some limitations apply). We strong suggest you make advance reservation for the upstairs tours beginning August 1st. $10 for age 3 and above. An additional $5 fee is required for the upstairs tours,
Sunday Conversations at Ephrata Cloister
Enjoy a visit with scholars as they present research about local history and culture in the auditorium at Ephrata Cloister’s Visitor Center. Tours of the historic site require regular admission but the Sunday Conversations are free. Details regarding the specific programs will be announced in August – be sure to check our web site at www.ephratacloister.org for more information in August.
October 2016
Apple Dumpling Fundraiser
Wonderful good Pennsylvania Dutch treats of apples and cinnamon wrapped in flaky pastry made by Achenbach’s Bakery help Ephrata Cloister support the Back to the Cloister Fund. This restricted fund is used to return original artifacts back to where they originated, The Ephrata Cloister. Past purchases have included an abolition tract published at the Cloister, a cupboard, a shelf, and most recently a book on the Comet of 1744. Purchase your dumplings at Ephrata Cloister on October 7 and 8 and you can…
Day of Music at Ephrata Cloister
Discover one of the historic Ephrata community’s most unique contributions to colonial American culture as the Ephrata Cloister Chorus presents concerts featuring music written by the Brothers and Sisters of Ephrata at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 pm on October 9th. The community’s founder developed his own system for writing four part harmony and even had a special diet for the singers. Come early and enjoy a tour of this historic site and then sit back and enjoy hymns written here at…
Community Days School Program at Ephrata Cloister
On October 14th homeschooler, public and private school students are invited to explore the activities that made the historic community of Ephrata a thriving center of life during the colonial period. This open-house day features various stations with 12 – 15 minute presentations throughout the historic site. Travel at your own pace from station to station, in any order. Tuition is $6 for students, one adult is admitted free with every ten students, additional adults pay $9 each. Reservations are strongly suggested…
Sunday Conversations at Ephrata Cloister
Enjoy a visit with scholars as they present research about local history and culture in the auditorium at Ephrata Cloister’s Visitor Center. Tours of the historic site require regular admission but the Sunday Conversations are free. Details regarding the specific programs will be announced in August – be sure to check our web site at www.ephratacloister.org for more information in August.
November 2016
Sunday Conversations at Ephrata Cloister
Enjoy a visit with scholars as they present research about local history and culture in the auditorium at Ephrata Cloister’s Visitor Center. Tours of the historic site require regular admission but the Sunday Conversations are free. Details regarding the specific programs will be announced in August – be sure to check our web site at www.ephratacloister.org for more information in August.
Candlelight Open House at Ephrata Cloister
Now that everyone has come “over the river and through the woods” why not take a leisurely stroll through the candlelit grounds of the historic Ephrata Cloister? Visit with friends and family to discover the sights, sounds and crafts of the past and present in a relaxed evening under the stars. Meet local craftsmen keeping the tradition of handmade art alive. Maybe do a little Christmas shopping in our Museum Store, which features unique gifts for everyone on your list. …
December 2016
Christmas at the Cloister
Christmas at the Cloister has been a holiday tradition in the Ephrata area for over 50 years! Follow the candlelit path and join us to spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in our historic Meetinghouse. The music is performed by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus and special guest musicians. Performances are at 6:30 and 8:00 pm on December 12th and 13th. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Call 717-733-2592 after November 8th.
Christmas at the Cloister
Christmas at the Cloister has been a holiday tradition in the Ephrata area for over 50 years! Follow the candlelit path and join us to spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in our historic Meetinghouse. The music is performed by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus and special guest musicians. Performances are at 6:30 and 8:00 pm on December 12th and 13th. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Call 717-733-2592 after November 8th.
Lantern Tours at Ephrata Cloister
December 27, 28, 29, and 30 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Tours begin every half hour. These special theatrical tours take you back in time to visit Ephrata Cloister as it may have appeared in the 1700s. Led by our talented Student Historians they will introduce you to some of the people who once lived and worshiped at Ephrata. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 717-733-6600 beginning December 1st. Tickets are $10 adults, $9 Seniors, $7…
May 2017
Ephrata Cloister Chorus Concert
Enjoy a sampling of the music created by the Brothers and Sisters at Ephrata Cloister in the room where this music was first performed. Selections from other early communities will also be included in this musical afternoon program.
October 2017
Day of Music
Discover one of Ephrata’s most unique contributions to Colonial American culture as the Ephrata Cloister Chorus performs music written by the Brothers and Sisters of this community in the 1741 Meetinghouse. Concerts are at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Students $7, Children $5
November 2017
Candlelight Open House at Ephrata Cloister
Now that everyone has come “over the river and through the woods,” why not take a leisurely stroll through the candlelit grounds of the historic Ephrata Cloister away from the rush of the oncoming holiday season. Discover the sights, sounds and crafts of the past and present in a relaxed evening under the stars. Meet local artisans, start your holiday shopping in our unique Museum Store, enjoy music and simple refreshments.
December 2017
Christmas at the Cloister
Performances at 6:30 and 8:00 pm Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in the 1741 Meetinghouse at the Ephrata Cloister. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Call 717-733-6600 after November 8th to order your tickets.
Christmas at the Cloister
Performances at 6:30 and 8:00 pm Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in the 1741 Meetinghouse at the Ephrata Cloister. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Call 717-733-6600 after November 8th to order your tickets.
Lantern Tours at Ephrata Cloister
December 26 through 29, 2017 6:30—8:00 pm, Tours depart every half hour These special theatrical tours take you back in time to visit Ephrata Cloister as it may have appeared in the 1700s. Each year we offer a new story with a cast of junior and senior high school students playing the roles that bring history to life. Reservations are required and can be made after December 1st by calling 717-733-6600. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Students $7, Children $5
March 2018
Charter Day at Ephrata Cloister
Celebrate the founding of Pennsylvania with free admission to Historic Ephrata Cloister on Charter Day, Sunday, March 11 from noon to 5:00 p.m. Discover the place where Ephrata began as volunteers welcome visitors to explore the museum’s nine original buildings. Discover the stories of the accomplishments and challenges faced by the community’s original residents. Special performances by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 will bring the community’s original music to life. Seating is limited for the concerts…
September 2018
Ephrata Cloister Upstairs
Discover the answer to the popular question “what’s upstairs?” as special limited tours of the second and third floor of the Sisters’ House highlight unrestored areas of the 1743 building. Advanced reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the Ephrata Cloister. Some limitations apply. Tours are every hour.
October 2018
Apple Dumpling Sales
Wonderful good Pennsylvania Dutch treats of apples and cinnamon wrapped in flaky pastry make the apple dumpling sales a success for the consumer and the Back to the Cloister Fund used to return original artifacts to the museum. Pre-orders can be placed for 5 or more dumplings, free delivery for orders of 20 or more dumplings. There is no charge to pick up apple dumplings, but regular admission is required to tour the historic site.
Day of Music
Discover one of Ephrata’s most unique contributions to colonial American culture as the Ephrata Cloister Chorus presents programs featuring the music written in this historic community during the 1700s. Programs included with regular admission to the site. Concerts at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00.
Community Days School Program
Students are welcome to explore the activities that made the community of Ephrata a thriving center of life in colonial days. This open-house day features stations with 12-15 minute presentations throughout the historic site. Travel at your own pace from station to station in any order. Tuition: $7.00 for students, one adult admitted free with every ten students, additional adults pay $9.00 each. Reservations strongly encouraged.
November 2018
Candlelight Open House
Now that everyone has come “over the river and through the woods,” why not take a leisurely stroll through the candlelit grounds of the Historic Ephrata Cloister? Visit with friends and family to discover the sights, sounds, and crafts of the past and present in a relaxed evening under the stars. Meet local craftsmen keeping the tradition of handmade art alive. Enjoy music by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus. Get a sneak peek at the popular Lantern Tours. Enjoy light refreshments…
December 2018
Christmas at the Cloister
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in the historic Saal. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Concerts at 6:30pm and 8:00 pm each night. Tickets are available to members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates in The Museum Store beginning November 1, 2018 or by mail with a post mark dated on or after November 1, 2018. Tickets are available for the general public in The Museum Store on November 8, 2018…
Lantern Tours
These special tours will take you back in time to visit the Cloister as it may have appeared in the 1700s. Each year offers a new story with a cast of junior and senior high school students playing the roles that bring history to life. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center beginning December 1, 2018. Tours start every half hour. $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors age 65+, $7.00 for youth age 6-l7, $5.00…
