Ephrata Cloister Associates

In 1732, a small band of German immigrants settled on the banks of the Cocalico and established a religious community that offered a refuge from the turmoil of the outside world. They named their village Ephrata. Now, in 2024, the Ephrata Cloister Associates are determined to keep the story of the Brothers and Sisters alive. And what stories we have to tell!

In their brief existence, the Brothers and Sisters at Ephrata printed the largest book in colonial America, created beautiful pieces of Fraktur, and composed more than 1,000 hymns, some signed by Sisters who are the first documented female composers in America – all as they searched for a deeper spiritual understanding.

The Ephrata Cloister Associates helps to preserve and interpret the stories, the history, and the art that made this community unique and groundbreaking in colonial America.  Charitable donors and caring people like you will ensure that our program will continue.

The Ephrata Cloister Chorus, the only musical group that performs and preserves the hymns composed by the Brothers and Sisters, will keep singing.

The Student Historians, local students with a love of history and service, will keep learning.

The Museum Store, a trove of art, woodwork, pottery, and crafts, will keep showcasing local talent.

The programs that bring life to the history, such as Community Days, Christmas at the Cloister, Lantern Tours, Day of Music, and Candlelight Open House, will keep educating and entertaining.

Together can we keep this legacy and this vibrant heritage alive.

Who We Are

Ephrata Cloister Associates helps to preserve and interpret the stories of a small band of German immigrants that settled on the banks of the Cocalico in 1732. It was a religious sect that offered a refuge from the turmoil of the outside world. Even though the religious community died out, the buildings remain most dating from 1739. This Cloister community was known for printing the Martyrs Mirror, the largest book in Colonial America, and creating beautiful pieces of Fraktur. They also composed more than 1000 hymns, some signed by the Sisters, who became the first female composers in America. Today the Historic Ephrata Cloister brings nearly 15,000 visitors annually from across the globe to discover this beautiful site that is owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, one of only five in the county, as an example of American independence and religious liberty.
The Ephrata Cloister Associate volunteers share the art, music and stories of the past through programs for students, public concerts, demonstrations and guided tours. Please help us to preserve the volunteer work of this national treasure with future generations by giving generously to our cause. It's donors like yourself who help us to pass on the history!