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About Downers Grove Museum

Location:

831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515, US

Mission Statement

The mission of the Downers Grove Museum is to provide educational and leisure opportunities for the community by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting materials that explain and document the history of Downers Grove and its relationship to local, state, regional, national and global history.

Description

Downers Grove was settled in 1832 by Pierce Downer, a Plainfield, Vermont native. Downer moved to Ellisburg, New York where he met and married his wife, Lucy. They were a farming family and eventually had five children. Downer's son, Stephen, moved to Fort Dearbon in Chicago to help with the construction of a lighthouse. Following the departure of his son, Pierce Downer decided to also move west in the pursuit of a new future. He reached Chicago and eventually traveled down the DuPage River and settled in an area that would become Downers Grove.

In 2023, The Association of Midwest Museums has recognized the Downers Grove Museum with the Best Practices Award for their work on the completed renovation of the 1846 Blodgett House.

The Downers Grove Museum offers a wide range of engaging, year-round programs for all ages, including educational workshops, craft activities, holiday events, and annual free celebrations. Participants can dive into local history while interacting with our knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Plus, don't miss our exciting summer camps, where kids can explore hands-on history, crafts, and outdoor adventures, making it a season to remember!