• Setting the Record Straight: What Caused the Civil War

    Downers Grove Public Library 1050 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL

    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 […]

    Free
  • Country in the Park

    The Downers Grove Museum 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

    Spend a spring day at Country in the Park -- part of the annual Downers Grove Historical Society's FoundersFest celebration. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850's pioneer-era games and more! This event is free. Petting Zoo, Games, Exhibits and Live Music! Hosted by: DG Park District, DG Library & DG Historical Society Petting […]

  • Walking the Grove

    The Downers Grove Museum 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

    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 […]

    $4.00
  • 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 1865, when he joined the Union Army and was assigned to the 124th U.S. Colored […]

    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

    The 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
  • Elmhurst History Museum to Debut “Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century Of Follies & Film”

    Elmhurst History Museum 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, IL, United States

    LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! ELMHURST HISTORY MUSEUM TO DEBUT “CHICAGOLAND MOVIE PALACES: A CENTURY OF FOLLIES & FILM” OPENING SEPTEMBER 6 In honor of the York Theatre celebrating 100 years of business in Elmhurst, the new exhibit will offer a nostalgic experience for movie-lovers of all ages. ELMHURST, IL (August 2024) – The Elmhurst History Museum […]

    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