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Event
The Story of Israel Blackburn: A Journey from Slavery to Downers Grove
February
04,
2027
12:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook
The Downers Grove Historical Society will tell the life story of Israel Blackburn at the monthly Senior Living series at Fountaindale Public Library.
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 unique story by following the large trove of archival material that documents many aspects of his unique life.
Registration will open a few weeks before the meeting. The event will be posted on the Fountaindale Public Library Events Calendar.
Members' Cost:
Non-Members:
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This event is presented by:
Fountaindale Public Library District
help@fountaindale.org
630.759.2102
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Location:
Other Upcoming Society Events:
Nov
12
History on Tap 2026
Nov
18
The Story of Israel Blackburn at the DuPage County Genealogical Society
Feb
04
The Story of Israel Blackburn: A Journey from Slavery to Downers Grove
Community Events:
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The Downers Grove Historical Society will tell the life story of Israel Blackburn at the monthly Senior Living series at Fountaindale Public Library.
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 unique story by following the large trove of archival material that documents many aspects of his unique life.
Registration will open a few weeks before the meeting. The event will be posted on the Fountaindale Public Library Events Calendar.