To celebrate America’s 250th Birthday this year, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association will be hosting a series of events and activities throughout the year.
One of the highlights is set to take place on Saturday, May 16 where the association will host a Civil War Union and Confederate encampment in the village park, with programs occurring throughout the day.
The civilian encampment and sutler area will include a tin-type photographer that will be located by the Steeple Building Museum. All Civil War programs are free and open to the public. Some of the activities include an artillery demonstration, a speech by Union General John Logan, a Civil War music concert, an evening Civil War-era Ball, and of course, a battle.
Besides Civil War Day, there are other events going on in Bishop Hill.
The annual Bishop Hill Quilt Show will be in full swing, with displays at the Colony School and the Steeple Building Museum. The Vasa Archives will have Make-and-Take hobby horses for $10 each. A free course for jumping and racing will also be available. A pulled ham sandwich stand by Operation Christmas will be open next to the Colony Store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more details about Civil War Day and all other activities, go to www.bishophillheritage.org, call 309 927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net or check out the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook page.
● All day soldier encampment in the village park; Sutlers and Civilian Encampment by Steeple Building Museum
● 9:30 a.m. Drill at Coopers’ Field
● 11 a.m. Parade from Coopers’ Field to Steeple Building Museum
● 11:30 a.m. Roll Call/Ration Issue in park
● Noon General Logan’s speech in park
● 1:30 p.m. Concert by 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band in park
● 2:30 p.m. Artillery Demonstration at Coopers’ Field
● 3:30 p.m. Battle at Coopers’ Field, followed by Medical Demonstration in park
● 6-8 p.m. Civil War Ball at Bishop Hill Creative Commons
