Bentonsport is getting ready to step back in time as Heritage Day returns on Saturday, May 16, bringing living history, entertainment, and family activities to the historic river town.
A highlight of the day will be a special presentation at 1 p.m. in Riverside Park, where Peter Grady will appear as U.S. President and Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. The program, titled “Unconditional Surrender,” will explore Grant’s leadership during the Civil War and his role in rebuilding the nation afterward. The presentation is supported by Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Festivities begin early, with Dr. Quacksham returning to Bentonsport at 11 a.m., offering his “Amazing Elixir” and demonstrations in hypnosis.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can also take part in Victorian dance instruction led by costumed instructors from Historical Merriments of Nauvoo, Illinois.
History enthusiasts will have the chance to tour the State of Iowa’s official Odd Fellows Museum, located on the second floor of the Odd Fellows Hall, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At the Stone House, a display of historical quilts and fabric items will be featured from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with quilter Paula Logan on hand to discuss the pieces and answer questions.
Throughout downtown Bentonsport, visitors will find musicians performing period music, artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, and horse-drawn wagon rides offering tours of the village.
Food vendors will be available, along with homemade pie sold by the slice or whole pies from the Bentonsport Improvement Association. Local shops will also be open throughout the day.
Parking will be managed to allow space for wagon tours, with limited accessible parking available on Sanford Street near the village center.
Heritage Day is a free, family-friendly event presented by the Bentonsport Improvement Association, with support from First Iowa State Bank, Libertyville Savings Bank, and State Central Bank.
Bentonsport’s National Historic District is located on Van Buren County Road J-40 between Bonaparte and Keosauqua. More information is available at bentonsportheritage.org or on the Bentonsport Historic District Facebook page.