Client Spotlight: Illinois Amish Heritage Center Brings History to Life with 1879 Barn Raising

At Cass Concepts, we’re proud to partner with organizations that are deeply rooted in preserving the past while building a vibrant future. One of those clients is the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC)—a nonprofit on a mission to protect and share the history, culture, and traditions of the Amish community in Illinois.

Their latest milestone? The incredible relocation and restoration of a nearly 150-year-old barn—a massive undertaking that captures the essence of their vision and the spirit of Illinois’ prairie heritage.

A Piece of History, Reimagined

Originally built in 1879, the Herschberger-Miller barn once stood just three miles west of Arthur, Illinois. Thanks to the generosity of the donating family and the unwavering dedication of the IAHC team, the structure has now found a new home at the Center’s campus—located between Arthur and Arcola, right along Illinois Route 133.

“There’s a lot of educational opportunities. Yes, this is for the Illinois Amish Heritage Center but, for central Illinois, a lot of this is about agriculture, how it’s evolved and how it will continue to evolve.”— Cassie Yoder, Owner of Cass Concepts

This iconic Pennsylvania-style, five-bay barn was carefully dismantled and preserved by the experts at Firmatas, who tagged and transported every piece. The barn was then rebuilt on site during a traditional Amish barn raising—a powerful community event that brought together volunteers, descendants of the original builders, and local supporters.

More Than a Structure

Once complete, the restored barn will serve multiple purposes:

• A working livestock barn for events and demonstrations

• A "horse hotel" for shoeing and fitting equine visitors

• A fully immersive part of the IAHC's Amish living history farm

Even more exciting: many original features such as the threshing floor, grain bins, and animal stalls are being preserved to maintain its historical integrity.

A True Community Treasure

The IAHC campus already includes historic Amish homes and a schoolhouse—but this barn marks a defining step forward in the organization’s long-term vision. It also serves as a symbol of the community’s roots in agriculture, craftsmanship, and faith.

Arthur remains home to the state’s largest and oldest Old Order Amish settlement, with more than 200,000 visitors annually from across the U.S. and beyond. Now, with this restored barn standing tall, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center is poised to offer even deeper engagement for families, school groups, and heritage tourism.

“It’s incredible to see how it comes full circle,” said Yoder, reflecting on the involvement of O.J. Miller—a descendant of the barn’s original builder who volunteered during the raising.

We’re honored to work alongside IAHC to bring their vision to life—through strategic marketing, public relations, and storytelling. This is more than a client partnership—it’s a shared commitment to celebrating heritage, culture, and community.

Stay tuned as we continue to support IAHC’s journey—and make sure to plan your visit to see this barn for yourself. It’s a step back in time you won’t want to miss.