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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 […]
All during May! Historic downtown Downers Grove is full of history and architectural interest... much of it hidden in plain sight. The DG Historical Society and Orange & Brew invite you to explore our village and enter to win prizes during the whole month of May, 2026. How it works: Pick up a clue sheet […]
Registration: 9:00 am - day of event Departure: 9:30 am sharp Start/Return Location: Fishel Park, Southeast corner All ages are welcome for this FREE family-friendly event! Join us on this slow bicycle ride around the historic neighborhoods of Downers Grove. This is just one of many fun FoundersFest events...learn more here!
Registration is 9:00 am to 11:00 am. You may choose from: (1) Guided Group walk begins at 9:30 a.m. (Registration at 9:00 a.m.) or (2) Self-guided walk can take place anytime. Two routes are offered - 3 miles and 6 miles. The Guided Walk is a relaxed pace, group walk. The self-guided walk is at […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society has named Nathan Alonzo Belden as the 2026 Founder of the Year, recognizing his enduring contributions to the early Downers Grove community. A special ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. on May 2, 2026, at the Main Street Cemetery, where Nathan's legacy will be celebrated. See his biography here.
Spend a spring day at Country in the Park -- part of the annual Downers Grove FoundersFest celebration. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850's pioneer-era games and more! This year’s special feature: a blacksmith demonstration on the Museum campus, honoring Nathan Alonzo Belden, our 2026 Founder of the Year, who was a blacksmith […]
Come visit the Historical Society's table at the Downtown Downers Grove Market this Saturday!
Come visit our non-profit booth at the Downers Grove Market and learn about history before you peruse the many local vendors that also attend!
Come to our village’s 4th of July parade and wave to us as we bring history to the celebration!
Come out to learn about local history and hear awesome music at Fishel Park! We will be handing out candy, water bottles, and tattoos!
Discover the story of Arthur C. Ducat, an Irish immigrant who rose from hardship to become an engineer, railroad surveyor, a soldier who fought in the Civil War, later became a Brigadier General, the head of an insurance company and influential Downers Grove resident. From helping route the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad through the […]
The Downers Grove Chapter DAR will be honored in celebration of America 250 to dedicate a Liberty Tree outside the Downers Grove Historical Museum next Tuesday evening, August 4, at 6:00 PM. Click here for info on Facebook We'd love to have you join us at the Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave Downers Grove, […]
