This article appeared in the Kendall County Star-Courier

Bishop Hill  —   The Bishop Hill Heritage Association has received a $1,300 grant from the Illinois Humanities Council to support the 2013 Bishop Hill Chautauqua.  

The Chautauqua will take place in Bishop Hill’s village park on Saturday, Sept. 7.  

In a modern day Chautauqua, professional storytellers portray a variety of historical characters.

The audience will be able to listen to the historical figures talk about their lives.

The crowd can also ask them questions. Those attending should bring lawn chairs for seating.

The event starts at 1 p.m.

The program will include:

Carl Sandburg: Poet of the People at 1 p.m.

Civil War Women: Mother Bickerdyck and Julia Grant at 3 p.m.

Dinner available for purchase from the Bishop Hill Arts Council at 5 p.m.

America’s Musical History with Ken Bradbury at 6 p.m.

The War of 1812 with Ninian Edwards and Potawatomi Chief Gomo portrayed by storyteller Brian “Fox Ellis at 7 p.m.

“Without the support of the Illinois Humanities Council, this event would not be possible,” said BHHA Administrator Todd DeDecker.

If raining or too hot, the event will be moved to VagnHall Galleri in the Prairie Arts Center.

Six historical museums and many gift and craft shops will also be open throughout the day.

The BHHA also received $1,003 from the Swedish Council of America to sponsor the Rarely Seen Treasures from the Attic summer exhibit in the Steeple Building.  

Each month, never-before-seen artifacts from the BHHA collection will be displayed, and their stories told.

Funding from the Swedish Council of America and the Illinois Arts Council enabled BHHA to create the unique display.  

“The BHHA is very thankful for all the generous support given by these organizations,” said DeDecker.