BISHOP HILL, Ill. — The Bishop Hill Chautauqua will mark Henry County’s bicentennial on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with a full day of live performances, storytelling, and music in the town square. Hosted by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, the event honors two centuries of local history through first-person portrayals of significant figures who helped shape the region.
The celebration begins at 9:00 a.m. with “A Storyteller’s Tour of Bishop Hill,” a 75-minute walking tour led by historian Brian “Fox” Ellis. The tour explores the town’s founding within the broader story of Henry County and ends at the gazebo in time for the first historical performance.
At 10:30 a.m., First Nations performer Jimmy Lakota Edwards will present songs and stories exploring Native American perspectives on Illinois history. Following a lunch break, performances resume at 1:00 p.m. with Brian “Fox” Ellis portraying Benjamin Dann Walsh, a 19th-century entomologist and abolitionist who lived near Bishop Hill.
At 2:00 p.m., Angie Snook will portray Harriet Cone Miller, a founding member of Geneseo who shares stories of the Underground Railroad in Henry County. At 3:00 p.m., musician Barry Cloyd brings Carl Sandburg to life, reflecting on the poet laureate’s ties to Bishop Hill through his sister, a teacher at the Colony School.
The day concludes at 4:00 p.m. with Fika in the Park, a traditional Swedish coffee and cookie social. Visitors can meet performers, ask questions, and share stories in an informal gathering at the gazebo.
All events are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the day in the heart of historic Bishop Hill. For more details, visit www.bishophillheritage.org or call 309-927-3899.