Come to Ephrata Cloister 1776: An America’s 250th Celebration on Saturday, June 27th from 10:00am-4:00pm for a grand commemoration of Ephrata’s Revolutionary military hospital.
The Historic Ephrata Cloister was the site of a Revolutionary War military hospital from December 1777 to June 1778. Ephrata’s hospital accommodated 260 soldiers of which 60 of these soldiers died and are buried on the grounds of the historic site. During this special America’s 250th Celebration event, visitors can learn more about the military hospital and its impact on the pacifist members of the Ephrata Cloister.
Throughout the day there will be performances, family-friendly activities, lectures, demonstrations, music in the Amphitheater, and more! See Ephrata’s military hospital brought to life with special performances in the 1741 Meetinghouse (Saal) and 1743 Sisters’ House (Saron).
Hear from knowledgeable presenters, reenactors, and demonstrators. Listen to music from the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, Hopeless Semantics, and more! Food and drink will be available for purchase. Learn about 18th-century medicine, printing, camp life, and being a pacifist during wartime. Visit the Witness Tree on the property as well as the monument honoring the soldiers in the Mount Zion Cemetery.
There will be multiple performances and demonstrations throughout the day. Upon paying admission, visitors can pick up a wristband for certain performance times. Wristbands are required for select performances and operate on a first come, first served-basis.
The Lantern Tour Reprise will be held multiple times in the 1741 Meeting House (Saal). Learn about the impact of the military hospital on the pacifist community. A wristband is required for this performance. Seating is limited and is first come, first served.
The Life of a Sister will be held multiple times in the 1743 Sisters’ House (Saron). Learn about the lifestyle of a solitary Sister and how they aided the soldiers through herbal medicines and remedies. A wristband is required for this demonstration.
The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will have a special performance at 4:00pm in the Amphitheater. A wristband is not required for this performance. Seating is first come, first served.
Important Notes: Event is rain or shine. On-site parking is first come, first served. Additional parking will be available at the Ephrata Senior High School.
Historic Ephrata Cloister is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission with support from the Ephrata Cloister Associates. More information can be found at ephratacloister.org. People with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation should call in advance to discuss their needs. Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at (800) 654-5984.