2025: Ken Lerner
The Downers Grove Historical Society is pleased to announce that Ken Lerner has been selected to be the Downers Grove Historical Society’s 2025 Historian of the Year. Ken lives a […]
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Henry Selig
Downers Grove “Tonsorial” Artist in the 1880s Born in Germany in 1850, Henry Selig immigrated to America in 1875. He married Agusta, and together they raised several children. By the
What’s In A Name? Breasted Street
Continuing our “What’s In A Name?” series, we are highlighting Breasted Street, named in honor of Dr. James Henry Breasted (1865 – 1935). Breasted Street, located one block south of
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A Teacher Who Changed the Rule
By Lois Sterba No one knows more than teachers how important it is to follow rules. But sometimes the rules need to be changed. This is a story of just
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Pelling House Becomes Latest American Foursquare Recognized as Historic Home
Thanks to Tom and Marlene Schroder, the American Foursquare at 4815 Forest Avenue is now recognized by the Historic Home Program. This house becomes the 81st house and 8th American
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Bruce Swanson to be Honored with 2023 Montrew Dunham Award
(by Joyce Tumea) “A Care Bear come-to-life” could well describe Downers Grove resident Bruce Swanson, the Downers Grove Historical Society’s (DGHS) choice for the 2023 Montrew Dunham Award. “Caring” certainly
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Blodgett Renovation Earns Award For Downers Grove Museum
Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Recent renovations to the 1846 Blodgett House has earned Downers Grove Museum recognition from the Association of Midwest Museums (AMM). The
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Map: Illinois Underground Railroad historical sites, plus what to know before you go
By Darcel Rockett, Tina E. Akouris and Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune If you were paying attention in history class, you’ll recall the Underground Railroad wasn’t a railroad at all. Rather, it was
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1846 Blodgett House Accepted into National UGRR Network to Freedom
By The Downers Grove Park District – The 1846 Israel and Avis Blodgett house has been accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom! The Network to Freedom is
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DG Museum Receives IAM Award for 1846 Blodgett House Restoration
By the Downers Grove Park District – The Downers Grove Museum received a “Superior Achievement” award for Building/Site Preservation from the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM) for the restoration of
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