Arthur, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC), located just east of Arthur, Illinois and west of Arcola off the I-57 exit, is thrilled to announce a major milestone: the groundbreaking of a new 10,000-square-foot Visitor and Museum Center, set to begin construction in April 2025.
While the groundbreaking ceremony will be a private event, this marks the beginning of a transformative era for the IAHC — one that will greatly expand the Center’s capacity to educate, engage, and inspire both locals and visitors from around the world.
“This Visitor Center will be more than a museum — it will be a living classroom rooted in the soil of Amish tradition,” stated David King, Executive Director. “Through hands-on agricultural education and immersive cultural programming, we’re inviting every visitor, from schoolchildren to scholars, to walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the values, resilience, and legacy of the Amish people in Illinois. This is history you can feel — and a future we’re building together.”
A New Destination in the Making
The new facility is designed to be a dynamic hub for rotating exhibits, hands-on learning, and community gathering, allowing the Illinois Amish Heritage Center to expand its mission and deepen its impact.
Features will include:
- A film and exhibit gallery introducing the Amish way of life, both historic and contemporary
- A genealogy research center and archival space
- A children’s discovery area with hands-on exhibits, story time, and activities for families
- A multi-use gallery space for speakers, school groups, and rotating art and history exhibits
- A gift shop offering Amish quilts, handmade goods, and local specialties
- Facility rental space and catering accommodations for private events
As part of its expanded programming, IAHC is developing curriculum materials for school field trips, seasonal exhibits, and speaker series — all designed to celebrate the vitality and richness of Amish culture, both past and present.
Keeping the Story Alive
The Illinois Amish Heritage Center already offers immersive tours of restored historical buildings, including the 1882 Schrock House, 1865 Yoder House, the Miller Amish German School, and the newly reconstructed 1879 Herschberger-Miller Barn. Visitors can step into the past to experience everything from traditional woodworking and farming practices to Amish quilting and education.
Two signature events will return in 2025:
- Sheep to Yarn to Quilts (April 26) – a family-friendly celebration of fiber arts, crafts, and heritage
- Harvest to Home (October 10–11) – an immersive event showcasing historical farming techniques and fall traditions
The Center is also launching Amish Country tours, which include stops at the Heritage Center, meals in Amish homes, shopping, and visits to local attractions — further positioning the IAHC as a cultural cornerstone and regional tourism driver.
Building for the Future
Years of community support, grant funding, and volunteer commitment have brought the IAHC to this exciting moment. The project is estimated to cost over $3 million, and fundraising efforts will continue in 2025 and beyond to bring the full vision to life.
“This is a project for the entire community — one that reaches across generations and beyond county and state lines,” King added. “It will preserve the legacy of a people whose quiet strength, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted values continue to shape our region. The story of the Amish in Illinois is not just worth telling — it’s essential that we tell it, and tell it well.”
Get Involved
Although the April groundbreaking event is by invitation only, the public can look forward to following the progress, supporting the campaign, and visiting the site when the Visitor Center opens its doors. For updates, event details, and ways to contribute: Visit: www.illinoisamish.org
Comments