Amish in Illinois

"Amish in Illinois." Amish Interpretive Center, 111 S. Locust St., Arcola, IL 619 10.

Long-term exhibition, opened 1996. April-Nov. M-Sa 10-5:30; Dec.-March W-Sa 10-4:30; adults $2.50, seniors $2.25, children $2. Approximately 10,000 sq. ft. Stan Kaufman, project director.

In This World but Not of It (18-min. videotape). Prod. by Prairie Production Group, 1996. $18.95.

Internet: contact information, driving directions, group rate information, and reservation form <http://www.amishcenter.com>.

Amish tourism is big business around Arcola, Illinois. Horse-and-buggy-themed restaurants and shops abound, and although some are operated by the Amish, most fail to offer quality information about their history and culture. In 1994 the Amish Interpretive Center was created by local residents to present a more complete picture of Amish life and to educate visitors to Amish country.

Prior to viewing the center's main exhibition, "Amish in Illinois," visitors watch a short film about Amish culture and religious beliefs. Overall, the video presents valuable information about the Amish and paints a sympathetic portrait of their life. Less satisfying, however, is the narrator's conclusion that the Amish are interesting because they "live in a different time." Although the video tries to present the Amish as more than just a tourist attraction, ultimately, it still portrays them as a quaint and anachronistic group.

Fortunately,...