The Amish number aproximately 250,000 in the U.S. after almost one hundred years of persecution in Europe, they came to Pennsylvania by the invitation of Wm. Penn in the early 1700s. Today the U.S. has more than 120 Amish communities, with most Amish residing in PA or Ohio.

The Amish, known as "plain people" reject most of the ways of modern life and cling to strict rules and customs which dictate derails of dress, work, and gender and family roles. They are also opposed to the use of photographs or mirrors. Communities are closely knit and centered around arlge extended families. Although Amish speak both German and English, a German dialect known as pennsylvania Dutch is spoken at home.