Spring and summer vacations may seem a long way off, but they are actually much closer than you think. So if you are starting the process of planning a trip within the continental United States anytime soon, why not consider routing your trek close to Adventist Heritage sites?
Honestly, you won’t find pristine beaches or amusement and water parks in the same towns as these sites. But a visit to places such as Elmshaven, Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, or the New England homes and farms of our movement’s pioneers is definitely worth it. And if you’ve ever had an interest in seeing points of historical significance to the movement, you will enjoy learning more about the origins of the Adventist movement by walking the same paths as James and Ellen White, Joseph Bates, and William Miller, among others.
Read along and see if your next road trip might include a stop at one of these special places.
For complete information about all these sites, visit AdventistHeritage.org. Contact information for each individual site is included in the respective descriptions.
125 Glass Mountain Road
St. Helena, California 94574
www.elmshaven.org
The home, built in 1885, was purchased by Ellen White in 1900. This was the home she purchased after her return from Australia, and she lived there until her death in 1915. It is a National Historic Landmark, still owned and maintained by the Pacific Union Conference. It is open to the public for free tours—walk-ins welcome. If you are planning a trip to California’s beautiful Napa Valley, or maybe to visit nearby Pacific Union College, a stop at Elmshaven makes for a nice Sabbath afternoon activity.
191 Main Street
Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719
[email protected]
Joseph Bates’ childhood home was built in 1742. At the time of this writing no inside tours are available, because the property is under renovation. But once it’s ready, a visit to the place that once housed this sea captain-turned-champion of the Advent message is sure to prove inspirational. For inquiries about the home and eventual tour opportunities, use the e-mail address provided.
1614 County Route 11
Whitehall, New York 12887
[email protected]
William Miller’s farm and nearby “Ascension Rock” are must-sees if you are in this part of upstate New York that is very close to the Vermont border. It’s a particularly beautiful place during autumn, especially near October 22!
780 Field Street
Clifton Springs, New York 14432
[email protected]
If you’re near Rochester, New York, or the historic Erie Canal, you can visit Hiram Edson’s farm, including 17.5 acres of the original parcel he owned. The original barn is no longer standing, but the barn belonging to his father, Luther Edson, has been restored and placed on Hiram’s farm. This site is often thought of as the theological birthplace of the Seventh-day Adventist movement, particularly the sanctuary truth. For hours, and to arrange your visit, use the e-mail address above.
480 West Van Buren Street
Battle Creek, Michigan 49037
269-965-3000
This is an important Michigan stop if you are visiting Chicago or Andrews University. Learn about life in the United States more than 100 years ago by wandering through the picturesque village that features James and Ellen White’s home, the Parkville church, and a traditional schoolhouse, among others. Do not miss nearby Oak Hill Cemetery, which is the final resting place of James and Ellen White, as well as Sojourner Truth and the Kellogg brothers, John Harvey, and Will Keith. Use the phone number above to make your visit reservation.
