A Chautauqua is a free public event where storytellers, historians, and musicians perform first-person portrayals of famous historical figures. This free festival will take place in Bishop Hill IL at the gazebo in the town square on Saturday August 9th, 2025.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with “A Storyteller’s Tour of Bishop Hill,” a walking tour led by professional storyteller and historian Brian “Fox” Ellis. The tour will start at the gazebo, last about 75 minutes, and cover about 3/4ths of a mile. The stories will explore the founding of the town within the context of Henry County history. The tour will end at the gazebo in time for the first performance. The tour is free but donations are welcomed. No reservations are necessary.
At 10:30 a.m., Jimmy Lakota Edwards will share songs and stories about the Native American history of our area and maybe a social dance. He is a First Nations singer, dancer, and wisdom keeper. Afterwards there is a lunch break with time to visit one of several restaurants in Bishop Hill.
All of the Chautauqua programs will be held at the gazebo in Bishop Hill’s town square, on the corners of Main Street and Bishop Hill Road, in Bishop Hill, IL. Folks are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and to bring a friend. This free public event is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Community State Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Geneseo Foundation, Galesburg Community Foundation, and Fox Tales International. Regional Media is our major media sponsor. For more information, call 309-927-3899, visit www.bishophillheritage.org, or email bhha@mymctc.net .
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