Efforts to open an Amish history museum in Illinois are underway. The oldest-known Amish house in the state was moved to a site set aside for the project west of Chesterville by plow horses and a diesel truck. The 1866 farmhouse, and another that dates back to 1882, will be restored to form part of the new Illinois Amish Museum and Heritage Center.
Ervin Yoder, vice president of the Illinois Amish Preservation Foundation board of directors, was born in the older house.
The foundation is creating the museum and has raised more than $100,000 for the project. The restoration of the two farmhouses is expected to cost $250,000.
