April 9
Opening of BHHA exhibit: Colonists and Their Descendants: In Their Own Words
A multi-media exhibition consisting of video interviews, audio clips, and photographs of Bishop Hill Colonists and their descendants that tells the story of Bishop Hill from their point of view. Included in this display are audio clips from Jonas Bergren’s wax cylinder recordings and photographs produced from recently donated glass plate negatives.
May 22
Jon Wagner’s presentation on BH Colony 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
June 5
Carolyn Anderson presentation on Material Culture 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
June 19
Lilly Setterdahl’s presentation on Women in the Bishop Hill Colony 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building.
June 20
Larry Cook’ss presentation on U.S. Presidents from Illinois 2 p.m. at Dairy Building
June 26
Midsommar Music Festival
Join in a lively Swedish tradition to celebrate the summer solstice with music and dancing. Free concerts in the Park. Decorate a Maypole and follow the procession to ensure a bountiful summer. Shake a leg at the barn dance held at the Colony School. 11-4 Music in the Bishop Hill Village Park. 4:00 Pole decorating and procession. 6:00 Barn Dance at the Colony School. Organized by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge, Vasa Order of America, BHHA, and the Bishop Hill Historic Site . 309-927-3899
July 10
Troy Swanson’s presentation on The Bishop Hill Colony & the Development of the Prairie: Diversity, Religion & Americanization 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building.
July 17
Doug Dowell’s presentation on Forrest Cady 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
August 28-29
Bishop Hill Chautauqua
Spend the day with several characters from our past. Join us for a historical reenactment brought to life through storytelling and music. Free event held in the Village Park. Sponsored by the BHHA and Twinflower Inn. 309-927-3899
September 18
Brita Butler Walls’ presentation about Anna Sophia 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
September 25 and 26
Jordbruksdagarna (Ag Days)
Bishop Hill’s biggest event features traditional 19th century demonstrations, harvest activities, music, dancing, farm produce, stew, and much, much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net for more information.
October 9
Basket Weaving with Linda Simmons 9 a.m. at the Dairy Building
October 16
Adam Kaul presentations on Bishop Hill and tourism 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
October 23
John Norton’s Presentation on Eric Janson’s last two letters to Bishop Hill 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
October 30
This Land Is Your Land: The Folksongs of Woody Guthrie concert by Bucky Halker 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building
November 6
Folk Music Concert by Chris Vallillo 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building.
November 13
Brian Fox Ellis’ presentation on Benjamin Dunn Walsh 2 p.m. at the Dairy Building.
November 20
Dala Horse Painting Workshop with Carol Curry 9 a.m. at the Dairy Building.
Friday November 26, Saturday November 27, Sunday November 28, Saturday December 4, and Sunday December 5
Julmarknad (Christmas Market)
Swedish traditions come alive with folk characters throughout the village. Shops are filled with handmade items, antiques, folk art, and other Christmas gift items. Cookie Walk at the Colony School November 26-27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chocolate Walk at the Dairy Building during the first weekend of December. Call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net for more information.
Friday December 10 and Saturday December 11
Lucia Nights
From 6 to 9 p.m., experience a unique Swedish holiday. Luminaries line the sidewalk and music fills the air. Young girls dressed as St. Lucia serve drinks and sweets in shops and museums throughout the village. Soup supper available at the Methodist Church. All Bishop Hill restaurants and shops will be open. December 10 is the Christmas Tree lighting in the park at 6 p.m. December 11 Barn Dance at the Colony School at 7 p.m. Call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net for more information.
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