The 2026 Living Cemetery event was a huge success! Several 100 visitors strolled through the cemetery on October 24th to meet actors portraying Downers Grove’s early settlers. The actors were well prepared for an appreciative audience, sharing well-researched accounts of life in early Downers Grove. Enjoy the wonderful carousel of photos below, which best tell the story of Living Cemetery 2026.
The Downers Grove Historical Society is proud to partner with The Paper Moon Players, a local youth acting troupe directed by Marilyn Ludwig and Gwen Box. This year’s cast included Nora Materson, Zach Mathis, Chance Tull, Joseph Tull, Charlie Galli, Adalynn Mathis, Ben Tull, Seren Snowden, Amanda Snowden, Maris McIntrye, and Leslie Harris. Additional youth actors were Koralyn Barto and Shea Rooney. Adult actors were Craig Dorsey (from “Living History Interpreters of the 8th Veterans Reserve”), Bernard Kazwick, Michael Stachnik, and Jonathan Sebastian. Taps were played by Joseph Stock.
