Earlier this week, I was asked what is the mission of the Heritage. After answering the gentleman’s question, it got me thinking that perhaps we do not do a good enough job of explaining what we do here. I just want to take a minute to share with you what my response was to his question:

The mission of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is to preserve the unique history of the Bishop Hill Colony and its legacy and to pass on that heritage to future generations. The BHHA accomplishes this mission in three ways: by restoring Colony buildings, preserving Bishop Hill artifacts, and presenting this heritage to the public through a series of workshops, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, festivals, and other programs. Through these efforts, we hope people can make a connection with their past, appreciate their present, and anticipate the future.

Since 1962, this has been the mission of the BHHA, and I believe it is as important today as it was nearly 60 years ago.  I want to thank all of you for supporting the BHHA’s mission!  With all our efforts, may we continue to preserve Bishop Hill for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Todd DeDecker, BHHA Administrator