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Minnie Harriet Jones Prince was far more than the wife of prominent real estate developer Earl Prince. In her own right, she was a civic leader, organizer, educator, and advocate […]
Minnie Jones Prince Read More »
Alexander Bradley Burns was born in Downers Grove on October 2, 1898, in Illinois to J.M. and Mary Burns. He had just graduated from high school when the war broke
Alexander Bradley Burns Read More »
A Mother to All Mary Stewart Burns was born in 1851 in New Hampshire and devoted her life to education, civic leadership, and the well-being of children. When she died
Mary Stewart Burns Read More »
Community Leader Descended from One of the First Families to Settle Downers Grove Born in Downers Grove in 1898, Lucile Bush was a lifelong resident whose century of life reflected
The Downers Grove Historical Society helped launch Black History Month at Downers Grove North High School with a special presentation highlighting Israel Blackburn, an important figure in local history. Marty
Black History Month Kicks Off at DGN with Israel Blackburn Presentation Read More »
Our annual Membership Meeting took place this past Saturday at the Belmont Golf Club, one of our recognized Historic Sites. A special thank-you to the club for hosting the event.
Jazz, Tacos, and Town History: An Afternoon to Remember at Our Membership Meeting Read More »
Downers Grove Historical Society President Marty Acks will be the featured speaker at the January meeting of the Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois (CAGGNI), sharing the story of
Marty Acks to Speak on Israel Blackburn at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Read More »
Forging a Future in Downers Grove Plans are heating up for FoundersFest2026. This week-long series of events will highlight Downers Grove’s history with many family-friendly events that mix learning and
Save the Date! FoundersFest 2026 – April 25 – May 2 Read More »
When Nathan Belden, a blacksmith and farrier from New York, and his wife Fannie headed west in 1844 to reunite with friends and settle in Cherry Valley, Illinois, he never
First Blacksmith Chosen as 2026 Founder of the Year Read More »
Interest in researching and preserving Downers Grove’s historic homes continues to grow! In 2025, thirteen homes were approved for Historic Home status – the most ever approved in one year. Congratulations to
Five More Homes Added to the Historic Home Program Recently! Read More »
