As part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations, Bishop Hill Heritage Association will host a special program spotlighting the legacy of women’s baseball in Illinois and the Midwest. On Saturday, May 2, 2026, historian Anna Sielaff will lead an engaging presentation exploring the vital role Illinois played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League’s formation. The event delves into the evolution of the sport, unique league rules, and iconic Illinois teams like the Rockford Peaches and Peoria Redwings. Attendees will also learn about uniforms, “Charm School,” and the powerful promotional efforts that brought women’s baseball into the limelight during World War II. The free program starts at 1 PM at the Steeple Building Museum.
The event is part of the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speaker Bureau, which brings engaging speakers to communities statewide. Through this program, local nonprofit groups help provide free access to presentations on a range of topics from literature and philosophy to politics and the arts. All interested community members are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 309-927-3899 or email [email protected].