BISHOP HILL — The 2026 Bishop Hill Chautauqua will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a series of free performances focusing on people and events that helped shape the nation. The theme for this year’s event is “Founding Figures: People Who Helped Create our Nation.” The Chautauqua will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, at the gazebo in Bishop Hill’s town square and will feature storytellers, historians and musicians portraying historical figures and exploring American history.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with Brian “Fox” Ellis portraying Founding Father and President John Adams in “John Adams: Architect of our Democracy.” The performance will highlight Adams’ role in the American Revolution, including his work with Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence, his efforts to recruit George Washington to lead the military and his role in negotiating the Paris Peace Accords that recognized American independence.
At 11:30 a.m., Judith Kalaora, founder and artistic director of History At Play, LLC, will present “A Revolution of Her Own!” as Deborah Sampson. Sampson was the first woman to successfully enlist in the American military, serve in combat and receive an honorable discharge. The performance will explore her childhood, her decision to challenge the limited opportunities available to women and her service during the American Revolution. Lunch will follow from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m., playwright, professor and performer Ted Williams III will present “1619: The Journey of a People,” a theatrical and lecture program examining the history of African Americans in the United States. The performance will cover slavery, Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Era and modern movements for justice. The final performance begins at 3 p.m. when folk musician Chris Vallillo presents “The Power of Song in Democracy,” featuring music from the Revolutionary War through political songs of the 19th century, Dust Bowl ballads and protest songs of the 1950s and 1960s.
All performances will be held at the gazebo in Bishop Hill’s town square at Main Street and Bishop Hill Road. The event is free and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The Chautauqua is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Community State Bank, Fox Tales International and the Illinois Arts Council, with Regional Media serving as the major media sponsor. For more information, call 309 927 3899, visit bishophillheritage.org or email bhha@mymctc.net.