Discover the History and Traditions of Mennonite Life
One of the biggest draws for people visiting Lancaster County is the Amish and Mennonite people who have made their home here for centuries. Visitors are fascinated by their slow-paced, simpler lifestyle and their religious and cultural traditions. If you’re interested in learning more about the Mennonite community, we suggest a stop at Mennonite Life and the 1719 Museum during your next stay with us at After Eight Bed and Breakfast.
Mennonite Life, formerly known as the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Mennonites in Lancaster County. At its Millstream Road campus, you can stop in the Visitors Center, which introduces guests to Mennonites and hosts the Biblical Tabernacle Experience. There's also a museum and research library that contains over 14,000 volumes related to Mennonite history and genealogy. The library is open to the public and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in researching their Mennonite ancestry.
Mennonite Life's second campus is in nearby Willow Street, where you'll find the Herr House, the oldest surviving Mennonite meeting house in North America. Built in 1719 by Christian Herr, the son of Mennonite bishop Hans Herr, the house was made from sandstone quarried on the property. It served as both a home and a meeting place for the local Mennonite community. Over the years, the house has been expanded and renovated to reflect changes in the Mennonite community, but the original structure still stands. Today, the 1719 Herr House gives visitors an intriguing glimpse into Mennonite life in the early 18th century.
Mennonite Life offers a number of educational programs and events throughout the year, such as the Maize and Snitz Market Fair held each fall. The 2024 date is Saturday, October 5. At this celebration of the fall harvest, visitors can interact with artisans demonstrating their craft. Shop their unique handmade items such as redware pottery, hand-dyed wool yarn, hand-turned wooden implements, wrought iron, bobbin lace and 18th-century paper goods. Stroll around the historical grounds, then head to the orchard for a lesson on how to make hard cider. Living history talks and immersive experiences compliment the market fair to offer insight on the communities that shaped early Pennsylvania.
Mennonite Life and the 1719 Museum are important Lancaster landmarks that provide visitors with a unique window into Mennonite history and culture. Whether you're a genealogist researching your Mennonite roots, a history buff interested in the early settlement of Pennsylvania, or simply someone looking to learn more about this fascinating religious community, a visit to Mennonite Life and the 1719 Museum is well worth your time as part of your next getaway to Lancaster County.
