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Educational Programs
Events are planned throughout the year to help increase the appreciation of our history, and our historic architecture, and to just have some fun.
Past educational events:
Apr
29,
2025
Making Soap - In Celebration of FoundersFest
Downers Grove Public Library
Celebrate the 2025 Downers Grove Founder of the Year, Anna Parker Paige, and her incredible contributions both in the...
Feb
01,
2025
Israel Blackburn: A Journey From Slavery to Founder of Downers Grove
Downers Grove Public Library
Please join us for a special presentation on the life of Israel Blackburn. Israel was born into slavery in...
Oct
26,
2024
2024 Living Cemetery
Main Street Cemetery
No ghosts, but plenty of ‘guest’ actors will portray early settlers buried in Downers Grove’s historic Main Street Cemetery....
Oct
05,
2024
2024 Montrew Dunham Award Presentation: Mary Ellen Young
Lincoln Center
The Downers Grove Historical Society will honor Mary Ellen Young as the 2024 Montrew Dunham Award recipient. This award...
Sep
21,
2024
Sears Homes Presentation
The Lytle Auditorium
Come discover the fascinating history of Sears Kit Homes constructed in Chicagoland from 1908 to 1942. What is the...
Sep
14,
2024
“True Daughter” Elizabeth Hartwell Rich to be Honored
Oak Hill Cemetery
Buried in Lot 81 in Oak Hill Cemetery is a “True Daughter” a title given by the Daughters of...
Sep
05,
2024
Preserving Your Home & Its History
Another Round Bar & Grill
Do you live in a home that’s more than 50 years old? Do you feel the history of your...
Jul
24,
2024
The History of Avery Coonley School
Avery Coonley School
Avery Coonley School Head of School, Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Ph.D will give a presentation on the history and architecture...
Jul
02,
2024
Museum Exhibit on Sears Kit Homes
Downers Grove Museum
This exhibit runs from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025.
May
04,
2024
1846 Blodgett House Plaque Presentation
1846 Blodgett House
The Downers Grove Historical Society will present a plaque to the Downers Grove Museum that recognizes the 1846 Blodgett...
May
04,
2024
Founder of the Year Ceremony: Israel Blackburn
Main Street Cemetery
Free to the public. DG Historical Society is pleased to announce Israel Larry Blackburn as the Founder of the...
May
04,
2024
Walking the Grove
Downers Grove Museum
Walk through a small-town/suburban downtown, through leafy historic neighborhoods, and on a trail through one of DuPage county's oldest...
May
01,
2024
“The 1846 Blodgett House” Documentary Premiere & Tivoli Theatre Tour
Tivoli Theatre
1846 Blodgett House Join us for the movie premiere of History Happens Here: The 1846...
Apr
30,
2024
Setting the Record Straight: What Caused the Civil War
Downers Grove Public Library
Immerse yourself in the time period of our Founder of the Year as we investigate the causes of the...
Apr
27,
2024
Farm to Table: Heirloom Gardening
Downers Grove Museum
Come to the Downers Grove Museum to learn about heirloom plant varieties and historic farming practices! Try historic herbs...
Apr
27,
2024
Lyman Woods Wildflower Walk
Lyman Woods Interpretive Center
Part of the Downers Grove Historical Society's FoundersFest events. Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance is supporting FoundersFest again this year...
Mar
09,
2024
Mochel Video Encore & Member Meeting
Alter Brewing
Due to popular demand, we are hosting an encore presentation of The Mochel Family video. Do you remember Mochel's...
Feb
17,
2024
The Mochel Family Video
Alter Brewing
Take a stroll through Downers Grove History from 1884-1996 through the eyes of John and Doris Mochel as they...
May
06,
2023
Lyman Woods Wildflower Walk
Lyman Woods
Downers Grove Historical Society and Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance invite you to celebrate Founders Day in Downers Grove with...
Mar
09,
2023
The Architectural Styles of Downers Grove
Another Round Bar & Grill
Are you intrigued by architecture and history? Would you like to learn more about the different architectural styles in...
Apr
28,
2022
Oaks in the Grove
Downers Grove Recreation Center
One of the key elements for Pierce Downer when choosing a site to settle was a grove of oaks...
Apr
05,
2020
The History and Significance of the American Foursquare
Emmett’s Brewery Company
Presented by The Downers Grove Historical Society When: Wednesday, April 5, 2020 Time: 6:30 social / 7:00 presentation Location:...
Upcoming Educational Events:
Oct
25
