Founder of the Year Ceremony: Israel Blackburn

Main Street Cemetery 5158 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States

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 1864 when he was sold to the Union Army where he was assigned to 124th […]

Free

1846 Blodgett House Plaque Presentation

1846 Blodgett House 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, United States

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.

Free

Museum Exhibit on Sears Kit Homes

Downers Grove Museum 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

This exhibit runs from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025.

Free

The History of Avery Coonley School

Avery Coonley School 1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL, United States

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 […]

$5 – $15

Belmont Prairie Historic Site Dedication

Belmont Prairie at Gelwicks Park 4822-4830 Cross St, Downers Grove, IL, United States

The Downers Grove Historical Society will present a new plaque to recognize the Belmont Prairie as its Historic Site for 2024. Naturalist and Belmont Prairie expert Lance Herning will then lead a discussion on the abundant variety of wildflowers located throughout the Prairie. We encourage attendees to walk the Prairie path after Lance’s talk to […]

Free

Preserving Your Home & Its History

Another Round Bar & Grill 5141 Main St, Downers Grove, IL

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 […]

Free

Secrets of Hidden Lake Documentary Premiere

Glen Briar Park at the Butterfield Park District 21W730 Butterfield Rd, Lombard, IL, United States

Join the Lombard Historical Society as we present SECRETS OF HIDDEN LAKE the latest documentary from Tim Frakes Productions, INC. The world premier will be September 6 at 7:30pm at Glen Briar Park at the Butterfield Park District. You must register in advance Register here: https://www.lombardhistory.org/new-events-1/hiddenlake

“True Daughter” Elizabeth Hartwell Rich to be Honored

Oak Hill Cemetery 5500 Glenview Ave, Downers Grove, IL, United States

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 […]

Free

Sears Homes Presentation

The Lytle Auditorium 4919 Belmont Rd., Downers Grove, IL, United States

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 […]

$10

2024 Montrew Dunham Award Presentation: Mary Ellen Young

Lincoln Center 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

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 […]

Free

2024 Living Cemetery

Main Street Cemetery 5158 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL, United States

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 […]

Free!

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