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.

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. Five months later, the first Anabaptist was killed by Catholic rulers, so they started to flee throughout Europe, especially to Germany and the Netherlands. Thousands of Anabaptists were imprisoned and killed by special hunters hired by civil authorities to torture, brand, burn, drown, imprison, dismember and harass them. During this time, a statement was written including beliefs… one of them stating, "social separation from the evil world." This and Romans 12:2 are why Anabaptists separate themselves from the outside world:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

       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.

       In 1865, three Amish families moved to Arcola along the Kaskaskia River, finding rich farmland and a less dense population. They were Moses Yoder, Daniel P. Miller, and Daniel Otto and had moved from Somerset County, PA. They met Allen Campbell from whom they purchased land. Some of the land had very poor drainage, and the Amish soon installed drainage tile and erected large homesteads, producing multiple crops. Their skills for developing farmland were not the only trade they brought with them. Many Amish who moved to the settlement were skilled in woodworking.

       Ministerial leadership for the first church district in Illinois was provided by Bishop Jonas Keim, who moved from Goshen, IN. Moses J. Kaufman and Jonas J. Kaufman, brothers, were ordained as ministers. In 1888, as more and more families moved to the area, the church divided into two districts, each consisting of one bishop, two ministers, and one deacon, each selected by lot. This was the first of several divisions over the years, and today the Arthur-Arcola settlement now consists of nearly 4,500 Amish people organized into 27 church districts. No Amish  are left in Europe today.