Melissa Mann, Director of the PHMC’s Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums, expressed confidence in the new appointment. "Mister Smith's deep connections to Pennsylvania history, his comprehensive experience across curatorial work, public programming, and academia, and his specialized knowledge of the site and its history make him the ideal leader for the Ephrata Cloister," Mann stated.
New Leadership Role and Responsibilities
In his capacity as Site Administrator, Mr. Smith will oversee all facets of the Ephrata Cloister’s operations and visitor services. His key responsibilities will center on:
- Ensuring a welcoming environment and upholding high standards of customer service for all visitors.
- Focusing on community engagement to strengthen local partnerships.
- Directing the interpretation of the historic site for diverse audiences.
- Overseeing the preservation of the historic buildings, grounds, and collections.
A Career Steeped in Pennsylvania History
Mr. Smith brings a distinguished 20-year career within the PHMC to his new role.
- PHMC Experience: Before becoming Site Administrator, he served as the Ephrata Cloister's curator. His tenure with PHMC also included 11 years at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, where he served as curator and curator-supervisor, and 7 years with the State Museum of Pennsylvania, where he served as a public programs coordinator and chief of the curatorial division.
- Academic and Community Work: Beyond the PHMC, Mr. Smith spent six years with the Berks History Center as a curator and assistant director. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor of History at Alvernia University for two decades and teaches classes in Pennsylvania Dutch.
His notable contributions have earned him several honors, including a PA Governor's Innovator Award (2014) and the Outstanding Pennsylvania German Activities Award (2024).
About the Ephrata Cloister
Founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, the Ephrata Cloister was a unique German Protestant monastic community that explored themes of religious freedom, creative expression, and intellectual inquiry. At its peak, the community housed nearly 80 celibate Brothers and Sisters and 250 family members residing nearby. The celibate members gained international attention for their disciplined life of communal labor and their production of distinctive manuscripts, choral music, and printed materials.
As an Ephrata resident, Mr. Smith is particularly keen on fostering strong relationships with local community partners to further the site’s mission. The Ephrata Cloister is one of the 23 historic sites and museums that comprise the Pennsylvania Trails of History.
