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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 […]
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 1865, when he joined the Union Army and was assigned to the 124th U.S. Colored […]
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 […]
