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Each year the Downers Grove Historical Society recognizes a person who has contributed to the Society’s mission of celebrating and preserving Downers Grove history. We are proud to recognize long […]
2019: Helen Meyers Read More »
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
2018: Walter Blanchard Read More »
Each year the Downers Grove Historical Society recognizes a person who has contributed to the Society’s mission of celebrating and preserving Downers Grove history. We are proud to recognize Joyce
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
2017: Israel Blodgett Read More »
The Downers Grove Historical Society is honored to recognize Carol Wandschneider as the 2017 Historian of the Year. Downers Grove is a richer place for Carol’s numerous achievements. Her efforts
2017: Carol Wandschneider Read More »
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
2016: John Stanley Read More »
The Downers Grove Historical Society is pleased to announce that Lois Sterba has been selected as the Historical Society’s 2016 Historian of the Year. Since moving to Downers Gove in 1991,
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
2015: Samuel Curtiss Read More »
The Downers Grove Historical Society named John Breen the 2015 Historian of the Year. Breen, who has lived in Downers Grove more than 75 years, received the honor in May
In 1832 Pierce Downer was the first settler to arrive in the area that would later become Village of Downers Grove. He was appropriately chosen by the Downers Grove Historical
2014: Pierce Downer Read More »
