Illinois Amish Interpretive Center

Illinois Amish Interpretive Center

Learn about the history and culture of Illinois' Old Order Amish community at the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center. Here you can see exhibits that give a glimpse into the Amish way of life, as well as sign up for a variety of tours that include enjoying a family-style meal at an actual Amish home and a visit to a working Amish farm.

Information
Monday-Saturday 9-5


Admission
Adult $5
Senior (62+) $4
Child (6-11) $3
Children under 6 free


The IAIC was created in 1994 to provide a series of permanent exhibits relating to the European history of the Anabaptist movement, relate the history of the Arthur Amish settlement from its 1865 beginnings, preserve historically significant artifacts from the Amish community, and provide an exhibition area that relates to the subject of Anabaptism.



History of the Amish
As the Catholic Church ruled during the 16th century, Martin Luther led a protest because he was disgruntled with its practices. After 1525 in Switzerland, some Protestants grew impatient with the pace of the reformation. They believed that baptism should be reserved for adults willing to live a life of radical obedience of the teachings of Jesus. They also thought Christian practices should be based solely on Scripture, rather than tradition. In 1525, they illegally rebaptized (having been baptized at birth as is custom with Catholic faith) each other. They were nicknamed "Anabaptists" meaning rebaptizers.

In 1536, Menno Simons, former Catholic priest from Holland, became a powerful leader, writer and preacher for Anabaptists. Because of his influence, Anabaptists were then known as Mennonites. From the 1660’s to the 1690’s persecution was renewed in Switzerland. In the1690’s, Swiss Anabaptist leader, Jakob Ammann, called for renewal in church life. He believed that communion should be held two times year and that footwashing should be a part of communion. He also believed that liars from communion and daily life should be excommunicated. In 1693, several ministers from various locations joined Amman’s beliefs and called themselves the Amish. They further decided that there would be no trimming of beards, no fashionable dress allowed, and that there would be discipline in their congregations.

Because of social upheaval, political turmoil, and intermittent persecution, Mennonites moved to the New World in 1710 and purchased 10,000 acres just south of present day Lancaster, PA. Some Amish came with them. In the 1730’s, more Amish arrived, forming two settlements. By 1800, 500 had arrived.




Amish Life Today
Amish families have traditionally been engaged in farming, a practice that enabled them to live a life quite distinctly separated from the larger society around them. Use of modern technology for the sake of business success, such as telephones, power tools, copy machines, and vehicles, is more and more accepted among the Amish, while still preserving homes without electricity and horse for their transportation and farm work.



The Old Order Amish, with their determination to preserve their chosen way of life, continue to draw many visitors, seeking to observe and understand their faith and practices. The Amish separate themselves today in a number of ways. They drive a horse and buggy rather than an automobile, use horses rather than tractors for farming, and wear plain colors and use century-old patterns to make their clothing as opposed to wearing fashionable dress. Men grow beards when they are married rather than wear wedding rings. They speak Pennsylvania Dutch to each other. Their church is held in their homes, not in church buildings. Finally, they do not use electricity or phones in their homes, and rarely in their businesses.

Amish people uphold many values today, such as submission, obedience, humility, conformity, and simplicity. They strive to be reserved, modest, calm and quiet. They take joy in their work and practice thrift. They highly value tradition and a slower pace of life.

Statistically, 9 out of 10 children who are raised Amish will join the church. Consider the population growth with the consistently large families that Amish people usually have. They also believe in the supremacy of the group over that of the individual. When an individual acts out, the church leaders respond, enforcing the rules of the church. Overall, the Amish faith has been sustained because they have been able to adapt to social change.

Illinois Amish Interpretive Center
111 S. Locust Street, Arcola IL 61910
Phone: 1-888-45-AMISH | Fax: (217) 268-4810
E-Mail: amishcenter@consolidated.net