Leslie Goddard as the First Lady of Flight, Amelia Earhart [Submitted photo]

The 2024 Bishop Hill Chautauqua in Bishop Hill IL has an all-new line-up of colorful characters from America’s past.

On August 24, in the village park gazebo, the public is invited to meet Native American grandmothers, First Lady Mary Lincoln, First Lady of Flight Amelia Earhart, a founding Mother of Ecology, Rachel Carson and the Queen of Country Music, Patsy Cline.

In a modern-day Chautauqua, professional historians and storytellers portray famous figures from history. The series of free programs begins at 11 a.m. with Jo Lakota sharing the story of Native Elders in a program called “Remember Me: The Power of the Grandmothers.” Attendees can learn more about the strength of native women and meet some of the trailblazers of the recent past.

At noon, there is a short break, giving guests time to enjoy lunch at one of three restaurants in Bishop Hill. Guests can also pack a lunch to bring and enjoy it in the town square.

Following lunch at 1 p.m. Pam Brown brings to life the story of Mary Lincoln in the White House. Mary Lincoln is seen leaving the White House for the last time. Her heart is heavy, and her memories are great.

Leslie Goddard as Amelia Earhart takes the stage at 2 p.m. Amelia Earhart’s courageous exploits and spirited personality made her an international celebrity in the early twentieth century. Learn about her experiences as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
She’ll describe how she learned to fly, what inspired her adventurous spirit, and why she set off in 1937 for an around-the-world flight.

Meet the Mother of the Modern Environmental Movement, Rachel Carson, at 3 p.m. Katie Knutson portrays the author of Silent Spring, as she rebutted attacks from chemical companies, trying to be a force for good. Come meet Miss Carson and hear how she persevered to write the book that changed the world as we know it.

Katie Knutson as Rachel Carson, the mother of Modern Enviromental Movement. [Submitted photo]

At 4 p.m. we will host Fika, a Swedish tradition of sharing coffee, cookies and conversation with the scholars. Ask additional questions, collect autographs, and chat with the participants to share ideas and insights gleaned from the performances.

Then join us for dinner and a show at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons at 5 p.m. P.L. Johnson’s will cater the meal and Nicole Simkins will bring to life the Queen of Country Music, Patsy Cline. Weaving true stories from the fabled life of this legend while belting out some of her favorite songs, you will see a side of Patsy Cline that few folks know. Dinner is $35. For the evening dinner and the show, please call P.L. Johnson’s to make a reservation at (309) 927-3885. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Nichole Simkins portrays the Queen of Country Music, Patsy Cline. [Submitted photo]

The Commons is located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St. The 2024 Bishop Hill Chautauqua is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Community State Bank, Galesburg Community Foundation, Geneseo Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation, the Twinflower Inn Bed and Breakfast and generous donations from the community. The audience is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. For more information about the Chautauqua, email bhha@mymctc.net or call (309) 927-3899.