Rockford Founders Day Celebration

Rockford Reader’s Theatre and Inscape Collective invite you to celebrate the founding of Rockford with a portrayal of Lewis Lemon, the ex-slave who became one of the city’s founding fathers. The city of Rockford was founded 190 years ago on Sunday, August 24, 1834. 

Written and directed by Dorothy Paige-Turner, told in story and song, the presentation features Carl L. Towns as Lewis Lemon and includes the additional talents of Rockford Reader’s Theatre members Jacquelyn Rogers, Coleen Martin Williams, Janet Wright, and Wendell Thompson. 

Legendary musician, Ron Holm, will perform and engage the audience in singing his original composition, “Rolling Home to Rockford,” for this Founder’s Day event.

Arrive early, claim your seat, and shop our extensive, carefully curated selection of beautiful, handmade art and gift items from local artists and artisans. 

Seating is first-come, first-served with a 50-seat limit. Free admission; performers are paid from audience donations. Suggested donation is $5-$20; we are grateful for any amount you give. Refreshments served. Inscape Collective will be open from 11am-5:00pm. An Inscape Collective production, presented by Rockford Urban Ministries, and funded in part by a grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council.