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Buried in Lot 81 in Oak Hill Cemetery is a “True Daughter” a title given by the Daughters of the American Revolution to someone whose father fought in the American Revolutionary War. At 11:00 on September 14, 2024 this plaque will be dedicated on the grave of Elizabeth Hartwell Rich by the Downers Grove Chapter […]
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 […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society will honor Mary Ellen Young as the 2024 Montrew Dunham Award recipient. This award was established by the Downers Grove Historical Society in 2019 to honor those whose significant service and contributions to the Village of Downers Grove have earned them a place in its history, following in the footsteps […]
No ghosts, but plenty of ‘guest’ actors will portray early settlers buried in Downers Grove’s historic Main Street Cemetery. Portrayed by both adult and young-adult actors, our early founders, who reappear for this one day every year, will share their stories about the early pioneer days in Downers Grove. Come to the Living Cemetery on […]
Please join us for a special presentation on the life of Israel Blackburn. Israel was born into slavery in 1818 in Kentucky. In 1865, during the Civil War, he was performing garrison duties as part of the 124th U.S. Colored Infantry in Kentucky. Blackburn moved his family north to Downers Grove shortly after the war. […]
Celebrate the 2025 Downers Grove Founder of the Year, Anna Parker Paige, and her incredible contributions both in the community and inside the home by learning how to make soap with Soapy Roads of Lombard. Contact the Adult and Teen Services desk at ATS@dglibrary.org with questions. Registration opens April 15 and is required. Register here. This […]
Come join us at the Downers Grove Public Library to explore the places and learn about the people who made the history of Downers Grove Township. Founded in 1839, by 1873, DuPage County was divided into nine Townships. Downers Grove Township was and still is the largest with boundaries from County Line Road to Woodward Avenue and 39th […]
Is your home more than 50 years old? Is your home and/or its history worth preserving? If either of these questions interests you, then you don’t want to miss this FREE educational event! Join us for “Preserving Your Home and Its History” to learn about two unique historic preservation programs available in Downers Grove. The […]
Please join the Downers Grove Historical Society and the Downers Grove Library on October 14 when the Historical Society will honor the Library as its Historic Site of the Year. This special date is the 110th anniversary of the library. Guests will have an opportunity to walk around and view displays, including historical photos and […]
No ghosts, but plenty of ‘guest’ actors will portray early settlers buried in Downers Grove’s historic Main Street Cemetery. Portrayed by both adult and young-adult actors, our early founders, who reappear for this one day every year, will share their stories about the early pioneer days in Downers Grove. Come to the Living Cemetery on […]
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 […]
Join us! Before Hollywood blockbusters shook theatres around the world — before the deep resonance of THX became the gold standard of cinema sound — there was a student experimenting with lights and sound at Downers Grove North High School, absorbing lessons that would forge his life's work. Tomlinson Holman would go on to collaborate with George […]
