Amish Country
Lancaster, PA
Places Pictures Faces Tips Links Books

There are currently 185,000 Amish living in 22 states. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, often called "Dutch Amish Country" has one of the highest populations of these devoted people.

We learned that not all Amish live without electricity or automobiles (only the Old Order Amish do), and that Amish are a sect of Dutch Mennonites. Also known as Anabaptists (rebaptizers), Mennonites don't believe in infant baptism, and try to live strictly by the Bible.

Because of their very different lifestyle, outsiders often view Old Order Amish as odd and treat their visits to their homelands as trips to the zoo or circus. We were fascinated by their dedication and old-fashioned ways, and learned respect for their beliefs. Anyone who truly lives what they believe is worthy of admiration.
Pictures (Click to enlarge)

Hans Herr House, the oldest structure in Lancaster County, PA, was built in 1719. It was home to the Herr family and a meeting house to the Mennonites in the area. It also served as a temporary refuge for immigrating Mennonites as they found their own homes.

The Amish : A Photographic Tour
by Carol M. Highsmith, Ted Landphair

We created a lunch from the many choices at the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market. The fresh, warm, soft pretzels were delightful! We sampled many free tidbits, from tasty cheeses to roasted pasta snacks, to pumpkin butter.

Harrison said, "My favorite food at the market was the funnel cakes. They are made by funneling batter into hot oil. When it's done, they sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Yummy!"

Knowing that you can't understand a people until you understand their religion, we went to The People's Place in Intercourse, PA, where we learned about the Amish through a slide show and hands-on museum. This wood sculpture shows Jakob Ammann, a young Mennonite minister in 1693 who felt that the church was departing from some Bible teachings, breaking away from the Mennonites. His followers became known as Amish.

20 Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites (People's Place Book, No 1) by Merle Good, Phyllis Pellman Good

 

At the Amish Farm and House - An Authentic Working Farm, we learned that the Amish value their families. The kitchen is the heart of the home, where large families prepare and eat meals together. One of the reasons Old Order Amish don't use electricity is that is separates individuals into different rooms at night. With one central light source, everyone stays in the same room.

At the People's Place we learned that Amish girls and women wear head coverings as a visible sign of their acceptance of God's order of authority, and to honor Christ. Just as men are thought disrespectful if they pray wearing a hat, the opposite it true of females.

Amanda: "My brother and I are dressed up in Amish clothes and we are sitting in a copy of an Amish buggy. We got to do some worksheets in a little classroom that real Amish kids do at school. It would be fun to live like an Amish girl for a day or so, but not all the time."
Faces (Click Here for more faces)
Recommend a face
   

Trip Tips

Though the Amish are used to tourists, no one likes to feel like they are a zoo specimen. It's always courteous to ask before photographing anyone, and to engage someone in conversation instead of just gawking.
Advertisement

Links about this subject

Links about similar subjects

Amazon.comResources

Check out these resources from your local library, or click on these links to buy them online from Amazon.com. You'll get the same great price and help keep our pages on the web.

For Younger Readers

For Older Readers
Amish Home
by Raymond Bial
Amos and Susie : An Amish Story by Merle Good, Cheryl Benner (Illustrator)
 
Amazon.com Find more books about Amish
 
 

Copyright © 1998-2005, Robert A. Reiser and Learning Family.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
 PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
Link to Americares Web Site
2000 Faces of America has been viewed at least times.