• Researching Historic Homes

    Downers Grove Public Library 1050 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL

    Join the Downers Grove Public Library and the Downers Grove Museum to learn how to research your historic home. Learn some of the best tips and tricks for researching a historic home and gain insight into the best sources to use. Did you know that Downers Grove has 67 confirmed Sears Kit Homes and many […]

    Free!
  • Forester’s Tree Walk

    Hoopers Hollow 1810 Chicago Avenue, Downers Grove, United States

    A group walk through Hoopers Hollow Park highlighting a variety of trees including a mix of mature and newly planted trees. Characteristics, interesting facts and bark and structure identification tips will be discussed along with planting suggestions for homeowners yards.  Greg Soltwisch, Downers Grove Village Forester will host and narrate the walk as well as […]

    Free
  • Israel Blackburn: A Journey From Slavery to Founder of Downers Grove

    Helen Plum Library 411 S Main Street, Lombard, IL, United States

    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 […]

    Free
  • Family Bike Ride 2026

    Fishel Park 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove, IL

    Registration: 9:00 am - day of event Departure: 9:30 am sharp Start/Return Location: Fishel Park, Southeast corner All ages are welcome for this FREE family-friendly event! Join us on this slow bicycle ride around the historic neighborhoods of Downers Grove. This is just one of many fun FoundersFest events...learn more here!

    Free
  • Walking the Grove

    The Downers Grove Museum 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

    Registration is 9:00 am to 11:00 am. You may choose from: (1) Guided Group walk begins at 9:30 a.m. (Registration at 9:00 a.m.) or (2) Self-guided walk can take place anytime. Two routes are offered - 3 miles and 6 miles. The Guided Walk is a relaxed pace, group walk. The self-guided walk is at […]

    $4.00
  • Downers Grove Market

    Downers Grove Main St. Train Station 5001 Main St, Downers Grove, IL, United States

    Come visit our non-profit booth at the Downers Grove Market and learn about history before you peruse the many local vendors that also attend!

  • Downers Grove 4th of July Parade

    Main Street

    Come to our village’s 4th of July parade and wave to us as we bring history to the celebration!

  • Life and Times of Brigadier General Arthur C. Ducat

    Downers Grove Public Library 1050 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL

    Discover the story of Arthur C. Ducat, an Irish immigrant who rose from hardship to become an engineer, a railroad surveyor, and a soldier who fought in the Civil War. He later became a brigadier general, the head of an insurance company, and an influential Downers Grove resident. From helping route the Chicago, Burlington, and […]

    Free
  • Liberty Tree Dedication

    The Downers Grove Museum 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

    The Downers Grove Chapter DAR will be honored in celebration of America 250 to dedicate a Liberty Tree outside the Downers Grove Historical Museum next Tuesday evening, August 4, at 6:00 PM. Click here for info on Facebook  We'd love to have you join us at the Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave Downers Grove, […]

    Free
  • Historical Records Research Workshop

    DuPage County Clerk's Office 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, United States

    The Downers Grove Public Library and Downers Grove Museum are partnering to offer a special class on how to research historic records at the DuPage County Clerk’s Office in Wheaton. Wednesday, September 16 10:00 a.m.–Noon DuPage County Clerk’s Office 421 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187 Interested in uncovering the history of your home, property, family, or community? This hands-on […]

    Free
  • The Story of Israel Blackburn at the Schaumburg Township District Library

    Schaumburg Township District Library 130 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL, United States

    We have been invited to tell the life story of Israel Blackburn at the Schaumburg Township District 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 […]

    Free
  • A Special Conversation with Frank Lloyd Wright Home Stewards and Author Kristine Hansen

    Nineteenth Century Club 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL, United States

    Attend a special evening with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and author Kristine Hansen on October 27, in conversation with Chicagoland homeowners about their stewardship of Frank Lloyd Wright homes. As Hansen interviewed homeowners for her book Frank Lloyd Wright’s Illinois (published this spring with Simon & Schuster), she heard fascinating stories about the care […]