The Mennonites
The Mennonites were named for Menno Simmons, a 16th century Dutch leader. They are descendants of the 16th century religious radicals who were known as Anabaptists. They wanted to reserve the rite of baptism for those adults who had made a con[s]cientious decision to accept Jesus as Lord. Because their baptism beliefs differed radically from the Protestant & Catholic belief in infant baptism, [they] were prosecuted all over Europe. In the 1680's the Mennonites came to Pennsylvania. They are plain people who reject the worldly folly of adorning themselves or their property in vanity. They lead simple lives in accordance with the Holy Scriptures.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Peace • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 40° 31.095′ N, 75° 46.976′ W. Marker is in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in Berks County. It can be reached from North Whiteoak Street. Marker is on the Kutztown Fairgrounds, home of the Kutztown Folk Festival. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dew of Heaven (here, next to this marker); Pennsylvania Half-Timbering (here, next to this marker); The Moravians (here, next to this marker); Quilting Lore (here, next to this marker); Funeral Feasts (a few steps from this marker); Dutch Folksong Tradition (a few steps from this marker); The Bush Meeting (a few steps from this marker); Thanksgiving & Harvest Home (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kutztown.
Regarding The Mennonites. Excerpt from "Today... and Yesterday" by The Morning Call
Also see . . .
1. October 6, 1683: First Mennonites arrive in America.
2. Who We Are (Mennonite Church USA). (Submitted on July 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. (Submitted on July 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
4. The Pennsylvania German Society. (Submitted on July 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
5. Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. (Submitted on July 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
