Learn about the past at Bishop Hill’s Chautauqua
Watch America’s past come to life at the 2024 Bishop Hill Chautauqua in Bishop Hill, Ill.
In a modern Chautauqua, professional historians and storytellers play famous figures from history. This year’s event on August 24 in the village park gazebo has an all-new lineup, including Native American grandmothers; First Lady Mary Lincoln; Amelia Earhart; a founding Mother of Ecology, Rachel Carson and the Queen of Country Music, Patsy Cline.
The event kicks off at 11 a.m. as Jo Lakota shares the story of Native Elders in “Remember Me: The Power of the Grandmothers.” Learn about the strength of Native Women and meet some of the trailblazers of the recent past. There will be a short break at noon so visitors can enjoy lunch at one of three restaurants in Bishop Hill or bring a picnic to enjoy in the town square.
Pam Brown brings the story of Mary Lincoln in the White House to life at 1 p.m. Lincoln is shown leaving the White House for the last time, with a heavy heart and fond memories.
At 2 p.m., Leslie Goddard takes the stage as Amelia Earhart. Earhart became an international celebrity in the early 20th century with her courageous exploits and spirited personality. Learn how she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. Goddard will explain how Earhart learned to fly, what inspired her and why she set off in 1937 for an around-the-world flight.
The Mother of the Modern Environmental Movement and author of Silent Spring, Rachel Carson, takes the stage at 3 p.m., portrayed by Katie Knutson. She shows how Carson dealt with attacks from chemical companies and how she wrote the influential book.
Fika, a Swedish tradition of sharing coffee, cookies and conversation with scholars, will be at 4 p.m. Visitors can ask questions, collect autographs and speak with the participants.
Dinner and a show at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 North Bishop Hill Street, at 5 p.m. rounds out the event. P.L. Johnson’s will cater the meal and Nicole Simkins will bring the Queen of Country Music, Patsy Cline, to life by sharing true stories and some of Cline’s hits. Reservations are required for the dinner and show; call P.L. Johnson’s at (309) 927-3885 to make a reservation. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the presentations. Email [email protected] or call (309) 927-3899 for more information on the Chautauqua. Click here for more events in Bishop Hill.
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