BISHOP HILL, Ill. – Bishop Hill will mark America’s semiquincentennial on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with a day of history displays, folk music and a fundraiser for veterans. The event includes the grand opening of the America’s 250th Birthday exhibit at the Steeple Building Museum in Bishop Hill.
The exhibit will feature early American artifacts, including a Kentucky long rifle and land grants signed by President James Monroe. The Steeple Building Museum, located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several other sites will also be open, including the Colony Church, Vasa Archives, Henry County Museum and the Livery Stable Museum.
The Doodle Folk Music Festival will feature performances throughout the day. Scheduled acts include Barry Cloyd, the Taproot Wranglers, the Bucktown Americana Music Show and Lee Murdock. The concerts are free and open to the public, and organizers are encouraging visitors to bring lawn chairs.
The Filling Station Restaurant will host the 17th annual Honor Flight benefit from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will support Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. The event will include breakfast and lunch buffets, a raffle in the morning and a live auction at 11 a.m.
