CHESTER – The celebration on July 4th, 2025, at Kaskaskia, Ill., will again proudly present the LIBERTY BELL OF THE WEST as an honored 1741 historic 650 pound bell that rang in liberty to the Illinois Country when in 1778 George Rogers Clark and his Long Knives arrived and captured the British garrison stationed there.
The events of the Revolutionary War 250 years ago will be featured by Tim Heggemeier, “George Rogers Clark and his Long Knives cross Randolph County”.
Tim Heggemeier is a healthcare executive and consultant with more than 25 years of experience bringing innovative medical devices and biologic therapies to market across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Beyond his professional accomplishments in healthcare, Tim is a passionate historian and public speaker. A native of Southern Illinois he earned his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently completing a book focused on the vital role German immigrants played in keeping St. Louis aligned with the Union during the Civil War.
Tim grew up in Coulterville, IL, and is active with the interesting museum there where the High School students are active in maintaining the museum of the area.
Tim’s deep interest in American history is rooted in his own heritage, which includes ancestors who were Mayflower passengers, Jamestown settlers, and members of the First Families of Virginia—among them Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
Tim lives in St. Louis with his wife, Charlene, and his three daughters: Emma, Ava, and Olivia.
Reverend Sebastian Ukoh, CM, Members of VFW POST 3553 and American Legion Post 487, Steve Colonel Family and the Chester Municipal Band, the Mayors of Chester and Perryville, MO, Chester Scouts, the French Marines de Fort de Chartres, the Fort Kaskaskia Ranger, and other notables will participate.
The program on July 4th at Kaskaskia begins at 1 p.m. The food stand opens at 11 a.m. Some historic books and an ornament to celebrate the 350 year history of the Immaculate Conception Church will be available. Bring chairs.
GPS directions are available by putting in “Liberty Bell of the West”.
The Kaskaskia Bell Shrine is located at 203 First Street, Kaskaskia, IL