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Event
Israel Blackburn: A Journey From Slavery to Founder of Downers Grove
April
27,
2026
7:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Helen Plum Library
411 S Main Street, Lombard
Due to popular demand, we are reprising this presentation on the life of Israel Blackburn. In case you missed this talk last year at the Downers Grove Library, we have been invited to the Helen Plum Library in Lombard for this talk.
Israel was born into slavery in 1818 in Kentucky. In 1865, during the Civil War, he performed garrison duty with the 124th U.S. Colored Infantry in Kentucky. Blackburn moved his family north to DuPage County, Illinois, and settled in Downers Grove shortly after the war. He became a respected member of the community and, within a few years, in 1873, was one of the 38 founding signers of the Incorporation Papers for the new Village of Downers Grove.
In this presentation, genealogist, local historian, and Downers Grove Historical Society President Marty Acks, will tell Israel’s story by following the large trove of archival material that documents many aspects of his unique life.
Click here to register on the Helen Plum Library website. There is no charge for this presentation.
Members' Cost:
Free
Non-Members:
Free
Important note:
You can pay for tickets using your personal credit card. When checking out in Yapsody, simply select the “Credit Card” option [immediately below the “PayPal” option].
This event is presented by:
Helen Plum Library (Lombard, IL)
https://www.helenplum.org/contact
(630) 627-0316
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Location:
Other Upcoming Society Events:
Apr
25
FoundersFest 2026!
Apr
25
2026 Pine Hollow Open Golf Tournament
Apr
29
Night at the Tivoli & Documentary Premiere
May
02
2026 Founder of the Year: Nathan Alonzo Belden
May
02
Country in the Park 2026
Community Events:
Want more upcoming event info?
Due to popular demand, we are reprising this presentation on the life of Israel Blackburn. In case you missed this talk last year at the Downers Grove Library, we have been invited to the Helen Plum Library in Lombard for this talk.
Israel was born into slavery in 1818 in Kentucky. In 1865, during the Civil War, he performed garrison duty with the 124th U.S. Colored Infantry in Kentucky. Blackburn moved his family north to DuPage County, Illinois, and settled in Downers Grove shortly after the war. He became a respected member of the community and, within a few years, in 1873, was one of the 38 founding signers of the Incorporation Papers for the new Village of Downers Grove.
In this presentation, genealogist, local historian, and Downers Grove Historical Society President Marty Acks, will tell Israel’s story by following the large trove of archival material that documents many aspects of his unique life.
Click here to register on the Helen Plum Library website. There is no charge for this presentation.