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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 […]
Part of the Downers Grove Historical Society's FoundersFest events. Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance is supporting FoundersFest again this year and celebrating spring with a guided Wildflower Walk in Lyman Woods. The group of hikers will depart at 9:00 AM from the Interpretive Center. The group will be limited to about 15 participants and should expect […]
Come to the Downers Grove Museum to learn about heirloom plant varieties and historic farming practices! Try historic herbs and winter greens. Take a turn at using both pre-historic as well as pioneer-type farming equipment and reenact fun springtime traditions to help the season's first plantings. Program will be held indoors and outdoors, so please […]
Immerse yourself in the time period of our Founder of the Year as we investigate the causes of the Civil War, presented by an Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum historian. Since the Civil War began, there has been confusion and misinformation about its political and social causes- yet these conversations often leave out what people […]
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.
Walk through a small-town/suburban downtown, through leafy historic neighborhoods, and on a trail through one of DuPage county's oldest Forest Preserves. Registration for the self-guided or group walk will be at the Downers Grove Museum Annex at 831 Maple any time between 9 am and 11 am. The group walk will begin at 9:30, self-guided […]
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.
This exhibit runs from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025.
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 […]
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 […]
