2026-Summer-Guide

Hands-On History: Celebrating 250 Years of America

Onsite Group Programs Bring your group to the Downers Grove Museum for customizable 1-1.5 hour programs or tours for all ages. Call 630.963.1309 or email museum@dgparks.org to book. Group Tours Explore the museum campus with visits to the Blodgett family cabin footprint, the 1846 Israel, and 1892 Charles Blodgett Houses to discover what life was like in the 19th and early 20 th centuries. SCHOOL TOURS: $64 per class per 1-1.5 hour tour GROUP TOURS: $36 for up to 10 people Visit dgparks.org for more info. New! Families are invited to step back in time and explore hands-on crafts and skills from throughout American history. From tackling everyday chores of the 1800s to playing games enjoyed in the colonial era, guests can experience the past in an interactive way. This event is perfect for all ages to discover how Americans lived for the past 250 years! Children under 2 are free. All children under 16 must be registered and accompanied by a registered adult. Age: 3+ Min/Max: 8/25 R/NR: $12/$18 Location: Downers Grove Museum Campus Class # Date Day Time 3700G05-01 8/8 SA 1:00-2:30pm American Girl Independence Day Celebration Come celebrate Independence Day with Felicity and learn about our young nation. Make crafts and play games from 1776. Age: 6-12 Min/Max: 5/12 R/NR: $26/$39 Location: Downers Grove Museum Campus Class # Date Day Time 3700G02-01 7/11 SA 1:00-2:30pm

Downers Grove Museum

The Downers Grove Museum reflects decades of dedication to preserving the community’s story. That commitment began in 1973 with the dedication of the Pierce Downer’s Burial Place—final resting site of the village’s founder—to the Downers Grove Park District, and continued in 1976 when the District purchased the 1892 Victorian Blodgett House and opened it as a public museum in 1977. Over time, the museum campus has grown to include additional historic structures, most notably the 1846 Israel Blodgett House, one of the oldest buildings in Downers Grove, which opened to the public in 2022. These efforts ensure the stories of Downers Grove’s past continue to be preserved, shared, and enjoyed by generations to come.

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