Navigation Menu
Bruce, Ian and Andi at Fishel Park If you missed us at the Rotary Fest booth on June 21, don’t worry — you’ll have another chance to connect with us! The Downers Grove Historical Society will be at the Tuesday Night Concert on July 1. Stop by our booth to test your knowledge with local history […]
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 […]
Celebrate the 160th birthday of Dr. James Henry Breasted, distinguished Downers Grove native who helped excavate King Tut's tomb and inspired Indiana Jones! Learn more >>
Celebrate the vibrant threads that make up our community at TAPESTRY, a lively afternoon of music, culture, and connection! Enjoy free live performances from talented artists, interactive cultural activities, delicious global cuisine, and booths from local community groups that showcase the richness of our shared heritage. Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and your dancing shoes—it’s […]
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 […]
Join us in celebrating the incredible Lisa Rasin, who is being honored as the 2025 Montrew Dunham Award recipient by The Downers Grove Historical Society. Lisa is a true force of nature, whose tireless dedication and countless contributions have left an indelible mark on our community. From volunteering with the Downers Grove Rotary Club and Chamber630, and […]
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 […]
Now with more trivia! Open to the Public — Tickets are selling FAST! You are cordially invited to the Downers Grove Historical Society’s 6th Annual History on Tap Trivia Pub Crawl Fundraiser. Invite your friends and have fun as you stroll through Downtown, answer all new Downers Grove historical trivia questions, and enjoy a 12 […]
Interested in doing research about your family history, your historic home, or about general local history and don't know where to start? Join the Downers Grove Museum at the Downers Grove Public Library to learn how to get started! Learn more >
With friendly gratitude, the Historical Society wants to show our appreciation to our valued members by hosting a social and informative historical presentation with live entertainment this year. Date: Saturday January 17, 2026 Location: Belmont Golf Club | 2420 Haddow Ave, Time: 1-3pm The Program: Entertainment will be provided by a live Vintage Jazz Ensemble! Board […]
In partnership with the Downers Grove League of Women Voters, AAUW Downers Grove Area Branch is pleased to present Connie Martin as she tells the stories passed down to her great-grandmother Lizzie of how her family survived the antebellum period through trials and tribulations, and how they used quilts that contained hidden codes and secret […]
