January is always a good time to look both backward and forward—to reflect on where we have been and to consider where we are headed.

In 2025, approximately 4,085 visitors came through our doors, a slight decrease from previous years. By combining this year’s visitor map with the one from last year, we can see more clearly where our guests traveled from.

On the map, gray indicates states from which we welcomed at least one visitor in both 2024 and 2025. Orange represents states with visitors only in 2024, while blue marks those with visitors only in 2025. If you live in a white state, consider this your invitation to visit us in 2026—we’d love to fill in a few more spaces on our map! As always, this information comes from our guest book, and not every visitor records where they are from.

Our online presence continues to be strong as well. Throughout 2025, our website welcomed 60,128 visitors, resulting in 120,753 page views. Our Facebook page received 204,388 views, and our newer page has grown to 650 followers, adding 240 followers over the past year alone. If you’re not sure whether you’re connected to the new page, click here and follow us to stay up to date.

This map highlights the truly global reach of our website. Every colored country represents at least one visit during the year. By my count, that means we were viewed in 114 countries worldwide—a remarkable reminder that the story preserved here reaches far beyond our walls.

Throughout the year, visitors explored a wide variety of exhibits, from The Tri-State Tornado and What We Learn by Doing: An Exhibition of Needlework to Dolly’s Quilt: Ann Hazelwood’s Doll Quilt Collection and Faith Documented: Baptized, Confirmed, United. Our Local Art Show drew many new faces, and, of course, Christmas Trees remained a favorite highlight. Each exhibit offers a window into the stories, faith, and heritage that shape our community—and we invite you to join us in 2026 to discover, learn, and experience these stories for yourself.

As we look ahead, we are grateful for the ways God has used the Lutheran Heritage Center to share His story and for the support of all who connect with us near and far. Stay tuned next week as we look into our unfolding plans for 2026!