Educational Amish Museums for Families and Students
Amish museums offer a unique educational opportunity for families and students to learn about faith, simplicity, and craftsmanship. These museums preserve centuries of history while providing interactive exhibits that make learning engaging and memorable. By visiting, guests can explore Amish daily life, traditional crafts, and community values, gaining insight into a culture that emphasizes family, work ethic, and humility.
Behalt—Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, Ohio
Located in Holmes County, Ohio, Behalt is an ideal museum for educational visits. Its 265-foot cyclorama mural visually narrates the history of Anabaptists from Europe to America. Students and families can observe artifacts, including traditional clothing, farming tools, and religious items, while guides explain historical context.
Interactive elements, such as touchscreens and workshops, make learning fun. Students can engage with stories of Amish migration, settlement, and cultural traditions, developing a deeper understanding of history, perseverance, and faith.
Mennonite Life Visitors Center, Pennsylvania
The Mennonite Life Visitors Center in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, offers exhibits designed to educate visitors of all ages. Families can view quilts, handcrafted furniture, and one-room schoolhouse artifacts while learning about Amish educational practices.
Guided countryside tours allow students to see traditional farming, horse-drawn buggies, and community interactions in real-life settings. These experiences help learners connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, deepening their understanding of Amish life and culture.

The Amish Farm and House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The Amish Farm and House provides a living-history environment, combining museum exhibits with a working farm. Families and students can tour restored farmhouses, barns, and gardens while learning about the routines that structure Amish life.
Workshops allow visitors to try quilting, woodworking, or cooking, offering hands-on experience in traditional crafts. These interactive sessions teach patience, skill, and cooperation while reinforcing lessons about faith and community values.
The Amish Village, Pennsylvania
Spanning 12 acres, The Amish Village immerses families and students in historical buildings, including a farmhouse, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and market shop. Guided tours explain the function of each space and how faith, work, and family are integrated into daily life.
The “Backroads Bus Tour” extends learning beyond the museum, giving students a chance to observe Amish farms and rural life. Craft demonstrations, such as quilting and woodworking, provide tangible examples of how skills are passed down through generations.
Shipshewana, Indiana – Educational Exhibits and Workshops
Shipshewana, Indiana, offers numerous educational opportunities related to Amish culture. Visitors can attend artisan workshops, observe craft demonstrations, and participate in guided farm tours.
These interactive exhibits emphasize hands-on learning, teaching students about traditional practices, problem-solving, and creativity. Families can engage together, learning about Amish values such as simplicity, collaboration, and respect for the environment.
Benefits of Visiting Amish Museums for Education
Engaging History Lessons
Amish museums bring history to life. Students learn not only about migration and settlement but also about daily routines, religious practices, and community organization. Exhibits combine storytelling, artifacts, and multimedia tools for a comprehensive learning experience.
Hands-On Learning
Interactive workshops and craft demonstrations allow students to apply lessons practically. Engaging with tools, quilts, and traditional cooking techniques fosters creativity, patience, and an appreciation for craftsmanship.
Cultural Understanding
Visits promote awareness and respect for cultural diversity. Students observe how Amish communities balance tradition, faith, and modern challenges while maintaining strong family and community bonds.
Family-Friendly Education
These museums cater to visitors of all ages. Children, teens, and adults can participate in age-appropriate workshops, guided tours, and interactive exhibits, making learning fun and meaningful for the whole family.
Tips for Families and Students
-
Join guided tours: Expert guides provide context and answer questions.
-
Engage with workshops: Hands-on activities reinforce learning.
-
Respect privacy: Follow museum guidelines on photography and interaction.
-
Plan multi-site visits: Exploring multiple museums in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana gives a broader perspective on Amish culture.
Conclusion
Educational Amish museums provide families and students with an engaging way to explore a culture rooted in faith, simplicity, and craftsmanship. From the immersive murals at Behalt to interactive farm tours in Lancaster and hands-on workshops in Shipshewana, these experiences make history, culture, and tradition accessible and memorable.
By engaging with exhibits, participating in workshops, and observing daily practices, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Amish values, skills, and community life. These museums inspire curiosity, foster cultural awareness, and create lasting educational experiences for learners of all ages.