• 2022 Historian of the Year Award Ceremony

    Lincoln Center 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

    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 […]

    Free
  • Farm to Table: Heirloom Gardening

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

    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 […]

  • 2023 Downers Grove Historic Site of the Year Dedication

    Belmont Golf Club 2420 Haddow Avenue, Downers Grove, IL

    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 […]

    Free
  • Homesteading in the Burbs

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

    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 […]

  • Our Precious Grove

    Alter Brewing Company - Barrel Room 2300 Wisconsin Ave, Downers Grove, IL

    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 […]

    Free
  • Walking the Grove: Self-Guided 5K and 10K Walk

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

    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.

    Free
  • Lyman Woods Wildflower Walk

    Lyman Woods 901 31st St, Downers Grove, IL

    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.

  • Family Fun Bike Ride

    Fishel Park 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove, IL

    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 […]

  • 2023 Downers Grove Founder of the Year Recognition: Abigail Stearns Root

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

    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 […]

    Free
  • Country in the Park

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

    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.