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The Downers Grove Historical Society is proud to announce Ed Bunting as the recipient of the 2022 Historian of the Year Award. Ed photographed Downers Grove for more than 35 years as the official photographer for the Historical Society. In addition to serving on many volunteer positions and commissions to help promote and preserve the […]
Are you intrigued by architecture and history? Would you like to learn more about the different architectural styles in Downers Grove? If so, please join us for this informative, in-depth presentation given by architect Douglas Gilbert. Register Now! Our annual membership meeting will take place immediately following the presentation. Douglas Gilbert is an Illinois-based architect […]
Come to the Downers Grove Museum to learn all 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-style farming equipment and reenact fun springtime traditions to help the season's first plantings. Program will be held indoors and outdoors, so […]
The Belmont Golf Club has been selected as the Downers Grove Historical Society's Historic Site of the Year. Every year the Downers Grove Historical Society recognizes a significant building or site which has been important to the history of our village as part of our Historic Sites Program. These locations help paint a picture of […]
The Downers Grove Historical Society is pleased to announce a special premiere screening of a documentary featuring Willis & Shirley Johnson, the owners of the Tivoli Theatre. Prior to the screening the Johnsons will be honored as 2023 Historians of the Year. The historic Tivoli Theatre has been owned and operated by the Johnson Family […]
Listen and ask questions of our panel of local homesteaders, and learn how you can live a self-sufficient life that is sustainable and ecologically friendly - even in the suburbs.This will be a conversational format, but if you wish to submit a question ahead of time, please include it with your registration. It will help […]
Please join us as Dr. M. Isabel (Bela) Losa Rivera of the Global Tree Conservation Program at the Morton Arboretum describes their work with other botanic gardens to help prevent the extinction of tree species. Dr. Losa Rivera will focus on oaks that are under threat from habitat loss and disease. Oaks are ecologically, economically […]
The Windy City Walkers join the Downers Grove Historical Society and other groups to celebrate Founders Day in Downers Grove with a self-paced walk with written directions and map. Start Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. A group walk will begin at 9:30 for those who wish to walk with club members.
Downers Grove Historical Society and Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance invite you to celebrate Founders Day in Downers Grove with a self-paced walk with written directions and map. Start Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. A group walk will begin at 9:30 for those who wish to walk together.
This 1 to 1 1/2 hour slow ride is designed for fun and families with young riders. The ride will end in time to honor Abigail Stearns Root (pioneer wife, farmer and DAR) at the Main Street Cemetery at 11:30. Bike check by DGBC (tire pressure, chain lube) at 9:00 AM 10 mile ride starts […]
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Downers Grove Historical Society honors Abigail Stearns Root as their 2023 Founder of the Year. The ceremony will be held at the the Main Street Cemetery in Downers Grove. She was one of many pioneer women who came west, settled here and contributed to the history of our village. She […]
Spend a spring afternoon at Country in the Park—part of the annual Downers Grove Founders Day celebration. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850’s pioneer-era games and more! There will also be live music - “Songs of the Civil War” at 12 & 1pm. This event is free.
