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Tickets are now on sale for the annual "History on Tap" pub crawl! This year we are excited to announce that we'll be adding a seventh location to the crawl, so you'll have even more opportunities to brush up on your Downers Grove history. We're also bringing back the after-party for food and chances to […]
Take a stroll through Downers Grove History from 1884-1996 through the eyes of John and Doris Mochel as they recount tales of growing up in Downers and of the iconic Mochel's Hardware store. This film, by Downers Grove filmmaker, Jim Toth, is packed with a treasure trove of private pictures from the Mochel Family Archives and depicts a life […]
Due to popular demand, we are hosting an encore presentation of The Mochel Family video. Do you remember Mochel's Hardware or have you ever wondered for whom "Mochel Drive" was named? Take a stroll through Downers Grove History from 1884-1996 through the eyes of John and Doris Mochel as they recount tales of growing up […]
Location: Belmont Golf Club Time: Tee offs begin at 11:00 AM Cost: Resident: $26 / Non-resident: $30 Call 630-963-1306 to register The Belmont Golf Club (est. 1892) and the Downers Grove Historical Society have teamed up to bring you the 46th annual Pine Hollow Open. All golfers 18 years of age and up are eligible […]
Join us for the movie premiere of History Happens Here: The 1846 Blodgett House, a documentary about the Blodgett family, their home and the underground railroad and abolitionists in Downers Grove.
Spend a spring day at Country in the Park -- part of the annual Downers Grove Historical Society's FoundersFest celebration. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850's pioneer-era games and more! This event is free. Petting Zoo, Games, Exhibits and Live Music! Hosted by: DG Park District, DG Library & DG Historical Society Petting […]
Free to the public. DG Historical Society is pleased to announce Israel Larry Blackburn as the Founder of the Year for 2024. Israel Larry Blackburn was born into slavery on a plantation in Kentucky in 1818. He lived there until 1864 when he was sold to the Union Army where he was assigned to 124th […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society will present a plaque to the Downers Grove Museum that recognizes the 1846 Blodgett House as being a part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Avery Coonley School Head of School, Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Ph.D will give a presentation on the history and architecture of this wonderful historic private school in Downers Grove. Following the presentation, small group guided tours will be available. 6:00 Reception on the patio with Refreshments included 6:45 Program 7:30 Tours See note below regarding the Tour […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society will present a new plaque to recognize the Belmont Prairie as its Historic Site for 2024. Naturalist and Belmont Prairie expert Lance Herning will then lead a discussion on the abundant variety of wildflowers located throughout the Prairie. We encourage attendees to walk the Prairie path after Lance’s talk to […]
Do you live in a home that’s more than 50 years old? Do you feel the history of your home, or the actual home itself, is worthy of preserving? If either of these options interest you, then you don’t want to miss this FREE educational event: “Preserving Your Home And its History” to learn about […]
Come discover the fascinating history of Sears Kit Homes constructed in Chicagoland from 1908 to 1942. What is the reason behind Downers Grove boasting an abundance of the kit homes? Despite the rash of teardowns in the Chicago area, some of these houses have managed to survive. Discover the Sears homes that remain in Downers […]
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