Professional storyteller and historian Brian “Fox” Ellis will be performing at his year’s Chautauqua. On August 27th, the day begins at 10 a.m. with “A Storyteller’s Tour of Bishop Hill”, a walking tour lead by Brian “Fox” Ellis that begins at the Twinflower Inn. The tour will last about 90 minutes and circle the town. The tour will include stories of the founding of the town, as well as some of its more colorful recent history.
On Saturday August 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the park gazebo, Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays Robert Ridgway, an Illinois native who became the first full-time curator of birds at the United States National Museum. Ridgway was also the primary author of The Birds of North and Middle America.
On Sunday August 28 at 2:00 p.m., Brian “Fox” Ellis steps into the shoes of our fishing president, President Herbert Hoover, to present a program based on his book Fishing for Fun–and to Wash Your Soul. Hoover will recall some of his favorite fish tales from his boyhood fishing in West Branch. He will tell a few fishing jokes, stories of fishing with other world leaders, and how he used fishing as a diplomatic tool. Hoover was also President of the Izaak Walton League, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year!
Fox is also one of the sponsors and organizers for this year’s festival so thank you for all your support and hard work! This free public event is also sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, Geneseo Foundation, HistoryInPerson.com and the Twinflower Inn Bed and Breakfast. For more information, call 309-927-3899, visit www.bishophillheritage.org or email bhha@mymctc.net .
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