08/07/2026
The Mission of the BHHA!
On a semi-regular basis, we are asked by visitors what is the purpose of the BHHA? What do we do here and why? I would like to take a minute to answer these questions.
As a 501c3, we do have an official mission statement, which is listed below. But to put it simply, 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 back then. 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
The Mission of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is to:
1. Retain Bishop Hill as a living community and to do everything within its resources to enhance its development as an historic site and desirable place to live through maintaining a natural environment.
2. Encourage all efforts to restore and maintain historic properties and cultural heritage.
3. Develop within our young people a sense of pride in their community, its past, present and future.
4. Develop and maintain a research library of material related to the area and make this available for study.
5. Maintain and encourage an active interchange of ideas with organizations of common interests and goals.
– Resolution adopted at regular meeting of the BHHA Board of Directors, February 10, 1970.
