The Illinois Amish Heritage Center is a unique living history site on 7.5 acres in Arthur, Illinois, dedicated to preserving, understanding, and appreciating all aspects of the Amish culture and heritage in Illinois from 1865 to the present. What began as an idea over 30 years ago has grown into a dedication to both the English and Amish communities in central Illinois and beyond.
Expect more than Exhibits
Amish farm, livestock, and home life demonstrations
Hands-on learning about Amish heritage and culture
Hand-crafted local and on-site-made items for sale
Event rental spaces
Offered at the IAHC
Exclusive yearly events focusing on the lifestyle, faith, heritage, and culture of the Arthur Amish.
New (coming in 2027) state-of-the-art museum facilities.
Restored Amish homes, workshops, schoolhouses, and a barn on an authentic 7-acre living history site.
Educational field trips and private tours on-site and throughout the community for any age or group size
LATEST IAHC NEWS
Meet Our New Executive Director
Known to most as Gramm, IAHC’s new director, Michael Gramm Coffman, was born in Central Georgia. At a young age, he developed a passion for the outdoors, history, and the environment, merging those passions when he set off to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, before earning a Master’s in History in Museum Studies from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
In the museum and tourism fields, he has had the privilege of working with a variety of unique and interesting organizations, including the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton, Georgia; the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds in Macon, Georgia; and the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
He is also a published author, with his first book, “Waters of Chaos: The Roles of Rivers and Waterways in North American Warfare,” set for release by Casemate Publishers in summer 2027. The project explores North America's waterways and their impact on warfare from the French and Indian War in the 18th century to the Civil War in the 19th century.
“When I first stepped on site, I knew that I had found a home,” says Gramm. “My excitement is immense, and the center’s endless potential is inspiring.” In addition to taking over day-to-day operations of the IAHC, Gramm hopes to continue enhancing the center’s mission with new monthly and yearly events coming in 2027. He also plans to expand further on campus over the next several years and add new features that will bring families to the area and into the community. With continued dedication and support from volunteers, board members, donors, and others in the community, Gramm believes the center will keep growing in the coming years and become a defining pillar of the central Illinois community.
Museum & visitor center Construction Update
The Visitor Center and museum at the IAHC are coming along nicely. The Insulation and drywall installation are complete throughout the entire building, and all Phase 2 painting is also complete. Work is currently underway on Phase 2 plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trim-out, and we will be ready for cabinets, doors, and trim later this month. Once Phase 2 is finished and we complete our soft opening, Phase 3 will still need painting and all interior finishing. With the full building insulated and heated, Phase 3 work can continue through the winter as additional funding becomes available. For more information, visit our Visitor Center & Museum section under the Explore Site tab.
UPComing 2026 events
Old-Fashioned Christmas (December 15)
Latest IAHC Newsletter
July 2026, Click on the image to see the full newsletter
