To honor America’s 250th Birthday this year, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is hosting a variety of activities that look at various aspects of early U.S. history. One of these activities is the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day on Saturday May 16, 2026. There will be Union and Confederate encampments in the village park, with programs occurring throughout the day. The civilian encampment and sutler area, which includes a tin-type photographer, 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.
Saturday May 16 Civil War Program Schedule
Soldier Encampment all day in the village park; Sutlers and Civilian Encampment by Steeple Building Museum
9:30 a.m.: Drill at Coopers’ Field
11:00 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
***Courtesy of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association***
