Downers Grove Museum

08/26/2026

🍬 Sweet treats with a side of history! 🕰️

Take a tasty trip into the past at the Downers Grove Museum! A Taste Through Time: Treats and Sweets explores the candies and confections people have enjoyed throughout history, from the ingredients they used to how their favorite treats were made. And, of course, you'll get to sample a few sweets along the way!

🍭 Wednesday, Sept. 9 • 6-7pm
📍 Downers Grove Museum
🎟️ $17 residents | $26 nonresidents
🍨 Ages 4+

Satisfy your sweet tooth and your curiosity! Register today: https://buff.ly/J9AlnV7

08/11/2026

⚠️ CLOSURE NOTICE: The Downers Grove Museum is closed for the remainder of today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, due to a power outage caused by today’s storm. ⛈️💡

Planning to visit tomorrow, Aug. 12? 🏛️ Please check dgparks.org before heading out for the latest updates.

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe! 💙

08/10/2026

🏡✨ Step back in time and explore an important chapter of local history.

Join us for the Underground Railroad 1846 House Tour at the Downers Grove Museum Campus. Discover the story of the historic Blodgett House and learn about the courageous role the Blodgett family and the Downers Grove community played in the Underground Railroad.

🗓 Saturday, Aug. 22
🕐 1-2 p.m.
📍 Downers Grove Museum Campus
👥 Ages 8+
💲 Residents: $13 | Non-residents: $19

Please note: Portions of the tour may not be ADA accessible. All participants must register, and children younger than 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Experience local history in a meaningful and memorable way. Register today!
https://bit.ly/4fFmS3y

07/30/2026

📽️ General Arthur Charles Ducat Documentary 🎬️

Produced by Downers Grove Museum Curator Nina Fuscaldo and filmmaker Jim Toth, this documentary tells the story of Arthur C. Ducat, an Irish immigrant who rose from hardship to become an engineer, railroad surveyor, Civil War soldier, Brigadier General, insurance executive, and influential Downers Grove resident. From helping route the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad through the village to shaping local development and reforming the Illinois National Guard—changes that were ultimately adopted by National Guard units nationwide—Ducat left a lasting mark on both the community and the nation.

General Arthur Charles Ducat Documentary developed by the Downers G...

06/27/2026

In observation of Independence Day, the Park District will observe the following holiday hours:

Administrative Office: Closed July 3
Cathy Mahoney Recreation Center and 4500 Fitness: Closed July 4
Cathy Mahoney Recreation Center Registration Desk Only: Closed July 3 (4500 Fitness is open)
Downers Grove Museum: Closed July 3-5
Lincoln Center: Closed July 3-5
Lyman Woods Interpretive Center: Closed July 3-5 (Trails remain open)
Adventure Falls: Open July 4 from 9AM–3PM

06/03/2026

🎉🇺🇸 Join us at the Downers Grove Museum as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with our Happy Birthday, USA program! Young historians will explore America’s past through hands-on games, crafts, and activities while learning about both American history and the history of Downers Grove. 🇺🇸🎉

📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 1:00–2:30 PM
📍 Downers Grove Museum
👧🧒 Ages 5–10
💲 Residents: $12 | Non-residents: $18

Register today and celebrate 250 years of American history with us at https://bit.ly/3RBFPfr

05/15/2026

Looking for a way to give back, meet new people, and make a difference in your community? 💚 DGPD volunteers help bring programs, events, and experiences to life all year long! ✨

Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including:
🌱 Lyman Woods programs & restoration projects
🎉 Special events
🏛️ Museum docents
🤝 Community programs and activities
📅 Seasonal volunteer opportunities

Whether you’re looking for service hours, want to stay active, or simply want to connect with your community, there’s a place for you on our volunteer team! 😊

Ready to get involved and make an impact in Downers Grove? 👇
https://buff.ly/aL4cOJg

05/14/2026

📬 Step back into Downers Grove history!

Did you know many local homes were originally purchased straight from Sears mail-order catalogs? Join Museum Staff for a leisurely narrated bus tour exploring Sears and other historic catalog homes that are still standing throughout Downers Grove.

🚌 Saturday, May 23
🕜 1:30-2:45pm
📍 Downers Grove Museum
🔎 Ages 10+

Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today!
https://buff.ly/fxl7jnI

05/02/2026

Need a little extra support to participate in park district programs? 💚

Our Financial Assistance Program is here to help qualifying residents access recreation opportunities for themselves and their families. From youth programs to fitness and more, we want everyone in our community to have the chance to get involved and stay active.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply by clicking the link below.
👉 dgparks.org

04/28/2026

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT📣
Downers Grove Park District is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Gianatasio as its new Executive Director, ushering in a new chapter of leadership following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Bill McAdam.

Gianatasio brings a strong track record of innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth in the parks and recreation field. He most recently served as Superintendent of Recreation at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, where he led key initiatives to expand programming, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance operational sustainability. With a career spanning multiple park districts—including Berwyn, Oakbrook Terrace, Lisle, and York Center—Gianatasio has built a reputation for forward-thinking leadership. His accomplishments include guiding comprehensive master planning efforts, implementing financial sustainability strategies, leading organizational rebranding efforts, and increasing community engagement through diverse and accessible recreation programs.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/497XwJ9