Illinois Amish Heritage Center Announces Herschberger-Miller Barn Raising Event

Public groundbreaking for site prep of this historical barn

The Herschberger-Miller barn, that was originally constructed three miles west of Arthur, Illinois in 1879, was dismantled by Firmitas, formerly Trillium Dell Timber Works, in spring of 2022.  The intricate process raised massive media coverage in the region because the barn was not only being removed from its original site, but, the 143-year structure was tagged, labeled, dismantled piece by piece, and will be relocated, refurbished, and rebuilt at its new home, Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC), located between Arcola and Arthur, on Illinois Route 133.On Friday, September 23rd at 4 p.m., the IAHC will be hosting a public groundbreaking for site prep of this historical barn. The unique event will feature a horse drawn slip scraper for breaking the ground which was very common during the era of the original barn usage.

A two-day public Barn Raising is scheduled for Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. –  5 p.m. One of the biggest attractions is the rare opportunity for attendees to witness a partial hand-raising of the barn, which hasn’t happened in over 100 years in Central Illinois. 

Other events on the Illinois Amish Heritage campus will include pioneer and Amish-based activities such as blacksmithing, glass blowing, rope making, Kiddie Tractor Pull, petting zoo, pony cart rides and more. Additionally, local Amish favorites will be made and sold onsite such as fresh apple cider, popcorn, ice cream and more. The food tent will also be serving an authentic German breakfast, and other food vendors will be available.

For more information, call Cassie Yoder (217) 254-4012. Also, look for the Illinois Amish Heritage Center at www.illinoisamish.org and on Facebook.