Butler is the birthplace of the Jeep, and one of the important aspects of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is to share the history of this important vehicle.

An exhibit about how the world’s original Jeep was created in Butler is one of the showpieces of the festival.

Another way the Jeep’s heritage is celebrated is through the History Speakers Series, sponsored by Northwest Savings Bank.

Staged at Cooper’s Lake Campground, the series features Jeep enthusiasts who share their knowledge. These individuals discuss a variety of topics at specific times each day.

Speakers for the festival include:

• Lee Bortmas, Butler’s Bantam Jeep historian

• Larry Johnson, 26-year Chrysler employee

• Dave Eilers, founder of ewillys.com

• Julius Lorentzson, First Frontier Mechanized Calvary

• Dr. Dave Blinky, First Frontier Mechanized Calvary.

Their presentations will include topics such as “The Life of Roy Evans,” “The History Leading up to the Development of the Military Jeep,” and “Joys and Hazards of Buying a Vintage Jeep.”

Specific times for each talk can be found in the festival schedule at bantamjeepfestival.com.