Founder of the Year

Nathan Alonzo Belden was born on December 11, 1819, in Greenfield, Saratoga County, New York. He was one of nine children born to Simon Belden and Calsina Hickox Belden, descendants

DG Historical Society is pleased to announce Israel Larry Blackburn as the Founder of the Year for 2024. Israel Larry Blackburn was born into slavery in Mercer County, Kentucky on

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Downers Grove Historical Society honored Abigail Stearns Root as their first female Founder of the Year. The ceremony was held at the at Main Street Cemetery in

John Manning Wells was chosen as the 2022 Founder of the Year. As part of the Downers Grove Founders Day activities, his selection was celebrated at a ceremony at the Downers Grove

Henry Carpenter was an early pioneer arriving in Downers Grove in 1939. He opened the first general store in the area,  served the village in numerous roles, was instrumental in

Walter Blanchard was honored by the Downers Grove Historical Society as the 2018 Founder of the Year. Walter Blanchard was one of the first pioneers of Downers Grove and most prominent citizens

Israel Porter Blodgett was an early settler of  Downers Grove and noted abolitionist. He was very active in the underground railroad. In 2023, his home was acknowledged as an official

John Stanley arrived in Downers Grove in 1835 with his parents, Dexter and Nancy Stanley. They were the first full family to settle here.   John grew up and worked on

Samuel Curtiss was an early settler of Downers Grove. He donated the land for Main Street Cemetery, improved Maple Avenue, was active in the Underground Railroad, and was the first