One of the key elements for Pierce Downer when choosing a site to settle was a grove of oaks for timber and firewood. We’ll take a look at these important trees from pre-settlement to today. Discover the many ways humans, birds, animals and insects have used and treasured oaks. Heather Prince has been a part […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society is proud to announce Ed Bunting as the recipient of the 2022 Historian of the Year Award. Ed photographed Downers Grove for more than 35 years as the official photographer for the Historical Society. In addition to serving on many volunteer positions and commissions to help promote and preserve the […]
Are you intrigued by architecture and history? Would you like to learn more about the different architectural styles in Downers Grove? If so, please join us for this informative, in-depth presentation given by architect Douglas Gilbert. Register Now! Our annual membership meeting will take place immediately following the presentation. Douglas Gilbert is an Illinois-based architect […]
The Belmont Golf Club has been selected as the Downers Grove Historical Society's Historic Site of the Year. Every year the Downers Grove Historical Society recognizes a significant building or site which has been important to the history of our village as part of our Historic Sites Program. These locations help paint a picture of […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society is pleased to announce a special premiere screening of a documentary featuring Willis & Shirley Johnson, the owners of the Tivoli Theatre. Prior to the screening the Johnsons will be honored as 2023 Historians of the Year. The historic Tivoli Theatre has been owned and operated by the Johnson Family […]
Downers Grove Historical Society and Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance invite you to celebrate Founders Day in Downers Grove with a self-paced walk with written directions and map. Start Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. A group walk will begin at 9:30 for those who wish to walk together.
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Downers Grove Historical Society honors Abigail Stearns Root as their 2023 Founder of the Year. The ceremony will be held at the the Main Street Cemetery in Downers Grove. She was one of many pioneer women who came west, settled here and contributed to the history of our village. She […]
Spend a spring afternoon at Country in the Park—part of the annual Downers Grove Founders Day celebration. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850’s pioneer-era games and more! There will also be live music - “Songs of the Civil War” at 12 & 1pm. This event is free.
Join us for a FREE Members Only Social Hour at Goldfinger Brewing! As a way for us to show our appreciation for your loyalty, the Downers Grove Historical Society is hosting a special event for its members at Goldfinger Brewing on Thursday, August 17th from 5:00-7:00 pm. A food truck will be at the brewery […]
Bruce Swanson has been named the 2023 Montrew Dunham Award recipient by the Downers Grove Historical Society. "Holey" and "holy" are two words easily associated with Downers resident Bruce Swanson. He is an avid golfer who frequently plays nine holes or more, and he is known for his charitable works. As a result, the Downers […]
Living Cemetery is annual Society event that brings together the talents of local drama students and adult actors who depict the early settlers buried in the historic Main Street Cemetery. They tell the stories about how these brave pioneers made their way to our area and about their many contributions to creating the Village of Downers Grove. Making […]
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 […]
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