Historic Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main St., Ephrata, invites students ages 14 to 18 to join the site's Student Historian program, an after-school experience that delves into 18th-century history, trades, and crafts.

For more than 60 years, the Historic Ephrata Cloister has offered local students the opportunity to explore their community's heritage while developing public speaking and critical thinking skills. The Student Historian program provides an opportunity to learn the art of interpretation in an immersive, hands-on environment.

The program will take place from mid-September to mid-May, with weekly sessions on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. From January onward, meetings will shift to every other Thursday, offering flexibility for students' busy schedules.

The Student Historian program includes the opportunity to be a part of the Cloister's Lantern Tours, a signature theatrical event held during the holiday season - from Friday to Monday, Dec. 27 to 30, this year. Student Historians will also have the opportunity to assist with special events and programs throughout the year.

To kick off the 2024-25 program, an informational session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Cloister Visitor Center. The session is open to new and prospective participants, as well as their parents. Registration is requested by contacting Dan Roe, museum educator II, at daroe@pa.gov or 717-733-6600.

For more information, visit http://www.ephratacloister.org.