Museum Of Amish History Planned Near Decatur

Efforts to open an Amish history museum in Illinois are underway after the oldest-known Amish house in the state was moved to the site set aside for the project west of Chesterville, which is about 30 miles east of Decatur.

The house was moved by plow horses and then a Diesel truck. The 1866 farmhouse and another that dates back to 1882 were moved Tuesday morning. They will be restored to their 19th-century prime and form part of the new Illinois Amish Museum and Heritage Center.

The Illinois Amish Preservation Foundation is creating the museum heritage center.

The foundation has raised more than $100,000 for the project. The restoration of the farmhouse, and another one dating back to 1882, is expected to cost about $250,000. j

Community development director Bob Doan is optimistic the project is going to help the local economy. Doan said tourists never lose their fascination with the Amish culture.

The Illinois Amish Museum and Heritage Center is scheduled to open by the summer of 2017.

Information provided by the Springfield State Journal-Register