The first opportunity to visit inside the newly renovated 1846 Blodgett House was on Saturday December 14, 2019. The Merry and Bright event at the Downers Grove Museum this year featured public tours inside the pioneer home as described on the Park District's website.

Regular monthly tours are now being offered at the Blodgett's pioneer house. Please sign up for your tour in advance on the Park District's registration page.

Interior renovation work is now sufficiently complete to allow an occupancy permit to be issued for small-sized group tours.

Architects Kirsten Kingsley and Keith Ginnodo developed plans for the interior renovation that make it possible for visitors to appreciate unique construction features of this mid-19th Century home, as well as the Blodgett Family’s role in the Underground Railroad.

Conceptual plans for interior renovation of the 1846 Blodgett House are explained on the Project Plan page of this site.      

An engineering study showed that reinforcements for the floor supports were needed to ensure the safety of members of the public who visit the House. The required structural work was completed in March 2014 under a contract let by the Park District.

In June 2014 the Park District was notified that it received a state museum grant of $135,500 for help with interior restoration and interpretative exhibits. This grant was released in 2019 after  having been suspended for four years due to state budget problems.

In 2016, Lovejoy, Inc., a Timken brand, opened their world headquarters on Wisconsin Ave. and became a member of the Downers Grove community.

In October 2018 Park District received $50,000 from the Timken Foundation to support work on the 1846 Blodgett House.  This award was presented by Mat Happach of Lovejoy, Inc.