Forging a Future in Downers Grove
Plans are heating up for FoundersFest2026. This week-long series of events will highlight Downers Grove’s history with many family-friendly events that mix learning and fun. It will kick off on April 25th with the annual Pine-Hollow Open Golf Tournament at the historic Belmont Golf Club, and will wrap up May 2nd with a host of special events celebrating the pioneers who built Downers Grove. Early settler and blacksmith Nathan Alonzo Belden (1819-1864) will be honored as the Founder of the Year (see separate article). There will also be history walks, a history bike ride, and a celebration of the 2026 Historian of the Year (to be announced soon). More events are in the works for this special week, so keep watch for the full details in our Spring Newsletter and on our website www.dghistory.org.