Have Dinner With the Amish

Learning about the Amish is an important part of learning about Lancaster County’s unique culture. And what better way to learn about the Amish than to sit down with an Amish family for dinner? Although known for being reclusive and separating themselves from modern society, it is possible to dine with a local Amish family [...]

Pennsylvania Dutch Proverbs

Learning proverbs is often a good way to gain insight into a particular culture and this remains true for Pennsylvania Dutch proverbs. Proverbs can show you what a culture values and what its sense of humor is like. Here are a few Pennsylvania Dutch proverbs to help you navigate Lancaster County. Pennsylvania Dutch on Family [...]

Pennsylvania Dutch Culture

Lancaster County is well known for the distinctive culture of its inhabitants the Pennsylvania Dutch – in particular its Amish and Mennonite communities. The term Pennsylvania Dutch refers to people who emigrated from German speaking countries in the 17th and 18th centuries, as the word ‘Dutch’ once referred to Germans. Pennsylvania Dutch culture is unique [...]

Amish – Where did they come from?

Lancaster County has the oldest Amish settlement in the nation.  Many of these people were not drawn to the land for its abundance and profitability.  The reason for them coming to the New World was to escape religious persecution. Their Roots The plain people of the county can trace their origins back to Europe.  Most [...]

Amish – Their Religious Beliefs

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Anabaptist movement was growing in areas of Europe.  The beliefs this group adhered to was based on the early New Testament Church.  They wanted the Church to get back to fundamentals and focus back on Jesus.  The Anabaptists believed very strongly in the virgin birth of Jesus and [...]