Amish Heritage

The Amish belong to a Protestant Group originating in Switzerland but is now centered in the United States and Canada. They teach separation from the world. Members are forbidden to go to war, swear oaths, or hold public offices. Farming and personal simplicity is a way of life for them.

In 1717 to 1732 they came to North America, settling in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Today they have spread out into farm communities in 21 states and in Ontario. Their largest communities are in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa and Illinois. They are also known as the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Then men wear dark clothes (black except for their shirts which are worn in various colors). They wear wide brimmed straw hats for informal occasions and wide brimmed black hats for formal occasions (such as weddings, funerals, viewings, meetings, etc.) The women wear plain long dresses (usually dark colors with black aprons) and black bonnets or white prayer caps. These are the Old Order Amish, which are the best known.

Strict adherence to Amish ways prohibits the use of electricity, telephone, computers, cameras and television in their homes. They limit their education to the age of 15 years old and use their own schools and their own teachers.

The Amish were named for Jacob Ammann who led them in breaking away from the Swiss Mennonites in the 1600's because of disagreements over church discipline. The Amish were stricter and shunned (avoided completely) excommunicated members.

They are very well known as hard workers, for their honesty, humbleness, family unity, and as peace loving people.