History Day Trip to Harmony Village and Museum (Thurs., 7/24/25)

Communism in the name of Christ

In 1804, Protestant theologian Joannes George Rapp purchased 4,060 acres just outside of the town of Zelienople in Butler County. He then prepared for followers of his faith to sail all the way  from Germany, land in Philadelphia, and travel by ox cart 350 miles to his farmable property that straddled the Connoquenessing Creek. Father Rapp first wrote to his religious community, once persecuted in their homerland, that “God has prepared a little place for us [where] they want you to think and believe what you wish.” Soon, Rapp and about a hundred families of faith established a commune they called Harmony. All of his pilgrims pooled their wealth, coordinated their labor, and shared their faith to establish one of the most productive and prosperous communities in early America. And this commune was just the first of three they founded.

Industrious doesn’t do justice in describing the workaday lives of these pious people. In addition to farming grains and vegetables, they amassed one of the largest sheep farms in America, wove their woolen yarns on homemade looms, crafted leatherware and their own shoes, raised vineyards, fermented beer, and distilled spirits. Each family had its own small home first built of logs, then brick. The church offered several services daily, all mandatory. In fact, families and successive generations tithed all of their earnings to the church. Their one sure conviction of faith was that Christ would one day return to earth and grant them eternal peace. 

Today, Harmony is a well preserved village featuring a fascinating museum, a modest bookshop, humble hotel, and historic houses and barns that honor the early Rappites. And just down the road is Zelienople, a town today featuring quaint restaurants, a renovated movie theater, more antique shops and a lot of old world charm. The Harmony Museum is open for guided tours Tuesday through Saturday. Admission for adults 18-59 years of age is $7. Other ages pay less or can enter for free. A visit just 40 minutes up I-79 North or Perry Highway will deliver you to this “little place” that speaks to the humility and hope of early German Pennsylvanians.

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