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• Museum Programs
Programs
Museum Programs
The Downers Grove Park District Museum offers a variety of year-round educational and entertaining programming for all ages.Programs include a monthly after school series, annual historic trolley tours, holiday programs, behind-the-scenes tours, teachers’ 
workshops, local historyclasses and annual free events. Participants can explore local history whileinteractingwith knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Please click here to view the Museum Calendar.
Outreach Programs
Let the Museum bring history to you! Learn about genealogy or preserving family heirlooms. Explore your community's history and hone your inner historian, while enjoying one of our entertaining and educational programs. Programs can be tailored to your group's interest and age level and will include a hands-on component.
What is it?
Curious about something you found in the attic or closet? Discover how to "read" an object and determine its history.
Gathering in the Victorian Home
Discover past times while exploring the fun and games played by previous Downers Grove residents.
Myths, Legends and Forgotten Facts
Hear the tall tales and small stories of Downers Grove's past. Popular folklore is debunked and little known facts are brought to light.
Preserving Family Heirlooms
Do you have a family treasure that you would like to preserve? Learn the best way to keep precious antiques in the finest condition possible for future generations to enjoy.
- These programs are fantastic for church groups, clubs, schools and other organizations.
- Highly trained and enthusiastic Museum staff and volunteers lead the programs.
- Each program is approximately 45-60 minutes in length, with audience participation encouraged.
- The cost is $60 per program and $54 for each additional, consecutive program.*
- Additional fees apply for non-resident organizations.*
- Programs for D.G. schools are $50 per program / $35 for each additional, consecutive program.*
- There is a maximum of 25 students.
*Fees are subject to change.
Scout and Youth Programs
These programs may fulfill various scout badge requirements.
There are a variety of hands-on, educational programs for scouts and other youth groups. Sharpen your thinking skills and explore your community's past with an interactive group activity. Programs can also be tailored for your groups's age level and specific interests upon request. Downers Grove in Pictures
Learn how research is done in a museum! Using historic photos of Downers Grove compare life of then and now.
Historic Main Street Cemetery Walk
Enjoy a stroll through Downers Grove's Main Street Cemetery. Learn about the people buried there. Dress for the weather.
Downers Grove Historic Architecture
Walk through the neighborhood and see beautiful old homes. Choose your favorite building and create a replica! Dress for the weather.
History & Maps of Downers Grove
Study old and current maps of the community! What has changed over time? What might future maps look like?
Victorian Manners & Games
Learn the proper way to sit at a table and participate in witty conversation. Enjoy various games of the period.
Capturing the Present for the Future
Gather items that symbolize life in Downers Grove! Create a time capsule and bury it in a safe place for future generations to enjoy.
Heritage Garden
Learn about heirloom vegetable gardening and how important it is to your community's history. How were gardens maintained? Plant the seeds, pull the weeds, turn the compost pile and harvest the in-season vegetables! This program is held during the spring, summer and fall. Dress for the weather and working outdoors.
Programs are 1 - 1 ½ hours in length. The cost is $8 per child, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 participants. Smaller groups may reserve a program, but payment must be for 6 participants. Programs are recommended for boys and girls in 3rd-6th grades. Combine a program with a Museum tour at no extra cost. Other types of programs may be arranged, with an additional fee applicable.
School Programs
Engage your students in hands-on programs specifically designed to coincide with the Illinois State Board of Education's Social Studies curriculum. These programs expand upon what is taught in the classroom. All programs link a broad historical topic to local history. Programs can be tailored to meet the needs of any grade-level or home-schooled children. The Museum also provides opportunities to collaborate with schools on history and art projects.
Part 1: Those Who Came Before Us, Native Americans
Learn about the Native Americans prominent in the Downers Grove area prior to white settlement. Play a game and enjoy a craft.
Part 2: Those Who Came Before Us, Pioneers
Learn about the first settlers in Downers Grove and their pioneer experience. Play a game and enjoy a craft.
Meet 5 Famous People from Downers Grove
From the Village's early days to the 20th century, learn about individuals who have played an integral part in Downers Grove's history. Paint a portrait of a famous resident.
Your Family Tree
Students will learn about the importance and basic methods of family research. They'll use these tools to start their own family tree.
- Each program is 45 minutes in length.
- Programs are recommended for grades 3rd-6th, with a maximum of 25 students.
- Programs can be combined with a Museum tour at no extra cost, but you must
allow an extra 45 minutes. - The cost is $1 per student.
- Museum staff is willing to coordinate a unique program upon special request.
Additional fees may apply. - The Museum also provides opportunities to exhibit student history projects and artwork.
Contact the Museum Supervisor for details.
Call the Museum at (630) 963-1309 for more information or to reserve a date and time for your program. We are here to accommodate you.
Teacher's Professional Development Workshops
The Downers Grove Park District Museum is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved professional provider. Teachers earn CPDUs for participating in these workshops. Workshops are specially designed and cover methods, information and resources available for use in the classroom. Activities provided meet state curriculum standards. Workshops may be customized upon request. Gather a group of teachers together and reserve your workshop today!
Downers Grove History for Homeschoolers
Let the Museum supplement your child's home school educational experience. Kids ages 8-12 years participate in age appropriate hands-on activities and projects, which will engage them in their community's history. Choose from a wide range of topics or customize a program. Programs run approximately 45-90 minutes.
