LECTURE: The Revolutionary War Hospital at Ephrata
In 1732, German pietists established a semi-monastic community that we know today as the Ephrata Cloister, a historic site operated by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Life for this community of pacifists was forever changed when, in December 1777, the Continental Army requisitioned Cloister buildings to establish a military hospital that provided care to nearly 260 soldiers. Presenter Bradley Smith will discuss the intriguing story of Ephrata’s Revolutionary War hospital, with a special emphasis on new discoveries that are expanding our understanding of its curious history.
A Lebanon County native, Bradley Smith is the Site Administrator at the Historic Ephrata Cloister. Prior to his arrival at Ephrata, he worked for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Bradley also worked for six years with the Berks History Center as a curator, archivist, and assistant director. An adjunct professor of history for 20 years at Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, he is a frequent speaker for museums, libraries, and historical societies. He has also taught Pennsylvania Dutch language classes for several organizations.
This free monthly lecture, hosted by Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates, Inc., is held in-person Freeman Hall at Cornwall Manor, 1 Boyd Street, Cornwall, PA, and will simulcast via the Zoom platform. Registration is required for online attendance only. To register for the virtual lecture please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i1w2Vx-LQWuHZAVJt8wifA
The presentation is offered at no cost to attendees, but donations are greatly appreciated and can be made in person or by following this link: https://givebutter.com/supportcifa
