Bishop Hill Old Settlers' Association (BHOSA)
The Old Settlers' Association was organized in 1896 to observe the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Bishop Hill Colony on September 23, 1846. In 1953 the BHOSA purchased and restored the 1861 Colony School. The schoolhouse, kitchen and grounds are available to rent for meetings, parties, and special occasions. The building has a full kitchen, is air conditioned and has wifi for the public. Annual events are sponsored by the Old Settlers' Association as a means to generate income for the ongoing maintenance of the building - a 5k run and Antique Car show to name a few. Donations are always welcome.
PO Box 68 Bishop Hill, Illinois 61419
For more information on BHOSA events along with membership and rental info visit:
www.bholdsettlers.org/ or direct questions to [email protected]
For more information on BHOSA events along with membership and rental info visit:
www.bholdsettlers.org/ or direct questions to [email protected]
2026 is the 180th Anniversary of the Founding of the Colony of Bishop Hill
Come celebrate with us and don't miss the Parade
that only happens every 5 years. The theme for the 180th celebration of Bishop Hill is “Then & Now”. Join us as we connect the past to present. The 5-year parade will feature historical floats to present day floats to local business participants. The parade starts on W Main Street near the Bjorklund Hotel continuing to the Steeple building, the Colony Church, and circling the park by the ball diamond. Parade announcing will take place at the area in front of the Steeple building. The Parade circles the park two times to give spectators a special "repeat view" of the entries.
Marshals selected for this 5-year parade include an esteemed group of individuals who live, have lived in or around Bishop Hill, or made meaningful contributions to the town AND are 90+ years old! We are privileged to honor 27 individuals with a collective 2,500+ years of inspiration! You won’t want to miss seeing this group start off our parade. Visitors to the Parade and celebration also include a group of Erik Jansson descendants. Erik was the driving force and organizer influencing over 1,000 Swedish immigrants to sail to America for religious freedom where they settled in Bishop Hill in 1846.
The Parade starts at 10 am on Saturday, September 12, 2026
Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association (a non-profit) is the oldest, active organization the Village celebrating 130 years this year!
that only happens every 5 years. The theme for the 180th celebration of Bishop Hill is “Then & Now”. Join us as we connect the past to present. The 5-year parade will feature historical floats to present day floats to local business participants. The parade starts on W Main Street near the Bjorklund Hotel continuing to the Steeple building, the Colony Church, and circling the park by the ball diamond. Parade announcing will take place at the area in front of the Steeple building. The Parade circles the park two times to give spectators a special "repeat view" of the entries.
Marshals selected for this 5-year parade include an esteemed group of individuals who live, have lived in or around Bishop Hill, or made meaningful contributions to the town AND are 90+ years old! We are privileged to honor 27 individuals with a collective 2,500+ years of inspiration! You won’t want to miss seeing this group start off our parade. Visitors to the Parade and celebration also include a group of Erik Jansson descendants. Erik was the driving force and organizer influencing over 1,000 Swedish immigrants to sail to America for religious freedom where they settled in Bishop Hill in 1846.
The Parade starts at 10 am on Saturday, September 12, 2026
Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association (a non-profit) is the oldest, active organization the Village celebrating 130 years this year!
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1861 Bishop Hill Colony School
Bishop Hill Stomp & Skamparoo
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Front Door Bishop Hill Colony School
Hand Carved Boot and Stomp Medals
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Interior 1861 Colony School House
BH High Society Band in the Gazebo
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Front Hall Entrance Coat Hooks
A Parade every Five Years
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