New AMHC tours focus on an in-depth look at ‘Behalt’

New AMHC tours focus on an in-depth look at ‘Behalt’
Randy L. McKee

Heinz Gaugel’s 265-foot cyclorama mural, “Behalt,” will be featured during special three-hour tours at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center. The dates for these special in-depth tours will be Feb. 21 and March 21 and will feature special guests describing in greater detail the many facets of the mural that explains the Anabaptist history.

                        

The Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center will feature an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the mural, “Behalt,” Heinz Gaugel’s 265-foot cyclorama depicting the history of the Anabaptist people Feb. 21 and March 21 with tours beginning at 6 p.m.

While many in the area might have some knowledge of the Anabaptist history and may have even seen the cyclorama before, this event will present a unique opportunity to unearth a deeper and richer meaning of the many scenes depicted in the mural.

“Think about the half-hour tour we give and then think about blowing it up and making it much bigger and more informative,” AMHC executive director Marcus Yoder said of the special tour. “People will get these additional stories and experiences about the mural that will bring it to life and really help it all make much more sense.”

With such an in-depth tour on tap, patrons should see “Behalt” in a completely new light. Even if they’ve seen it before in a regular tour, it will be something completely new.

“The tour will help patrons learn more about Amish and Mennonite history,” Yoder said. “We will offer an in-depth tour of ‘Behalt’ in a three-hour journey back through time that will help answer basic questions about the history of our people and will be narrated by several tour guides. It is for history lovers and nonhistory lovers because it is much more than just history. It is about the connectedness of our community and our world.”

Several knowledgeable hosts will be on hand to take patrons through the tour, each sharing their knowledge of a portion of the mural. Yoder said each of the guides for the tour will take turns sharing the spotlight during the three-hour tour and will dispense their vast knowledge, or “sharing their sweet spots” as Yoder put it, with the visitors.

“You capitalize on your strengths, and each of our presenters has their own specific area of expertise,” Yoder said.

Some of the focal points of these more descriptive moments will include delving into immigration and first-beginnings, the role of women, and the medieval church times.

Yoder said while the tour is new to the public, they did something similar to it last year when a group of Davis County bishops asked the center to create a larger tour for the youth of their church.

“That was a big hit,” Yoder said, “so we feel confident that this will be just as exciting.”

There is limited space, so patrons are asked to call 330-893-3192 to make reservations. The cost is $18.50 for adults and will include a time for questions and to interact afterward.


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