"Where can I go to see a barn raising"?

Barn raisings aren't regular events that happen for occasional viewing. Normally a "barn raising" is done when a fire or some other natural disaster has destroyed a building.

 "What's the difference between Amish, Brethren, and Mennonites"?

These are several religious sects known as the Anabaptist and all have a common root. These folks from Holland were nicknamed Mennonite, from Switzerland were called Amish, and still others were simply Brethren.

"Are Amish Christians"?

Amish or Old Order Mennonite groups have a New Testament background tempered by an Old Testament  format.  Amish folks and some Mennonites have held to this teaching more closely than other groups.

"Who runs the church?  Is there a hierarchy"?

Old order churches in general have a bishop, two ministers and a deacon. All these men are chosen by "lot". These positions are usually held for life.

"What about going to the doctor?"  "Are there Amish doctors?"  

 Amish folks don't usually pursue higher education. There are however Mennonite and Brethren doctors.

What does "Pennsylvania Dutch" mean?   "Is that Amish"?

Today anyone whose ancestry hails from these central European roots can be correctly called "Pennsylvania Dutch". You can easily understand then that all Amish, Brethren, or  Mennonites fall into the classification of Pennsylvania Dutch. Not all Pa. Dutch folks come from that extraction or are of that persuasion.

Why are there no telephones or electric?

Actually there are telephones and electric in use by some Amish groups but in varying ways. The principle generally set forth is that no wire should come into the home connecting it with the outside world.

"Isn’t everyone a Farmer" ?

No.   Presently in Lancaster only about 50% of people using horses for transportation make their living from farming.

"How Many Amish Farms are there in Lancaster" ?  

There are approximately 4800 small farms in Lancaster County. That's more small farms than any county in the United States.

"What's the hats and costume all about"?

Plain dress is meant to remind one of his humble station in life.   It is considered more modest, meant to keep the believer away from wasteful, sensual dress in order that he or she may concentrate on the more productive or worthwhile things of life.

"Amish people don't have insurance do they? If you go to the hospital or have an accident, who pays the bill"?

Actually Amish and Mennonite people do have a type of insurance, some participate in  "church insurance",  Amish aid, or Brotherly aid.

"Why don't Amish like pictures"? 

One of the Ten Commandments states that "Thou shalt not make any graven image unto thyself...." It is for this reason today that most Amish folks don't POSE for pictures.

No, the days of the pioneers are past, however there are some very practical, energy efficient, and old fashioned practices that remain.  Most Amish homes in Lancaster would not include electricity.

"Who makes the rules"?

Rules are a good word and you've asked a good question. Theoretically each Amish district sets its own rules.    There are ministers councils twice a year in Lancaster in which these and other matters may be discussed. A good rule of thumb to remember is: " Is it necessary?"

"What's school like"? 

You can get a very good idea of what Amish school is like if you read the series of "Little House " books by Laura Ingles Wilder. One room, one teacher, reading, writing, arithmetic and other basics are still the main stay.

Why does everyone always wear black ?

Actually not everyone who is Amish wears black. Regionally this varies. Some groups wear gray, blue, or russet  browns. Locally, Lancaster County Amish usually wear black pants, coats or aprons.