To answer this question from Dean Lehrke of Kansas, reporter Elodie Reed travels to the Northeast Kingdom to explore the ways that isolated Amish families have become fixtures in their Vermont community.

Elodie also draws on her own experiences growing up in Christian Science — a different culturally isolated community — to better understand Amish practices and Amish beliefs that go against convention.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

This episode was reported by Elodie Reed and produced by Josh Crane. Mix and sound design by Myra Flynn. Editing and digital production by our team. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public Radio.