The Bishop Hill Heritage Association is excited to announce the line-up for this year’s seventh annual Chautauqua, Saturday, August 24th, from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. The theme this year is “An Encounter With Visionaries.” The re-enactors will bring to life four characters who changed the world: the pioneering biologist Charles Darwin; a leader in the effort to win women the right to vote, Susan B. Anthony; botanist and civil rights hero, George Washington Carver; and the first singer/songwriter to win the Nobel Prize, Bob Dylan!
The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with Brian “Fox” Ellis portraying Charles Darwin and telling the stories of his voyage around the world on HMS Beagle. As one scholar has said, modern biology would make no sense without Darwin’s theory of evolution. Though highly controversial in his day, 150 years of research has only confirmed his ideas. This performance is equal parts history, science and stand-up comedy as Darwin shares the stories of his adventures in the wildest places on the planet.
At Noon, there will be a lunch break so visitors can enjoy one of three fine restaurants in Bishop Hill, or visit the shops and museums.
At 1 pm, Annette Baldwin will take the stage as Women’s Rights Advocate Susan B Anthony. She was the bold, courageous and unstoppable leader of the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. Chicago-area actress Annette M. Baldwin has lectured and performed on the woman’s suffrage movement for over 20 years.
At 2 p.m., local dignitaries will re-dedicate the 1851 Carpenter Building. Thanks to the support of the community, this important Bishop Hill Colony building has underwent an historic exterior restoration, with new windows and new brick. Light refreshments will be served. Music will be provided by Hammer and Pick.
At 3 p.m., Emmy winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk will take the stage as George Washington Carver. Carver is a farmer and botanist whose research transformed agriculture not only popularizing peanut butter, but changing the way we think about rotating crops for soil health.
And at 4, Danny Fox will present a concert of your favorite Bob Dylan songs. He has opened for such prestigious acts as Buddy Guy, Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, and Beatles tribute acts American English and The Cavern Beat. He has also won the Bob Dylan singer/songwriter competition in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota, three years in a row.
All performances are at the gazebo, in the town square. This FREE family program is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, the Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation, Galesburg Community Foundation, and the Twinflower Inn Bed and Breakfast. Come early to visit museums and shops. Folks are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. For more information, call 309-927-3899, visit www.bishophillheritage.org or email bhha@mymctc.net .
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