Calendar Year

• 2007
• 2008

 

JANUARY

Wednesday through Friday, January 2, 3,4

SCHOOL'S OUT - Read more about our day camp for boys and girls 1st-5th grade >

Friday and Saturday, January 11 & 12

BRIDAL SHOWCASE More >
Planning a wedding? Make this complex job easier with opportunities for one-on-one discussions with 35 vendors at this up-close and personal showcase.
Friday 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free.

Sunday, January 13

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Henry Ford 

Sunday, January 20

GRAND TOUR OF THE MARTIN MITCHELL MANSION
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the results of the $2.8 million restoration of the Martin Mitchell Mansion. Hear about the decisions and processes that brought this treasure back to its full glory. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
1-3:15 p.m. Recommended for ages 8 and up. $10/person, $9/NHSS member.

Monday, January 21

SCHOOL'S OUT - Read more about our day camp for boys and girls 1st-5th grade More >

Sunday, January 27 from 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, January 30 from 7-8:30 p.m.

OPEN HOUSES FOR COSTUMED VOLUNTEERS More >
Open house for eighth graders and up who are interested in becoming costumed volunteers who interpret the life and daily work of the early Naperville settlers at Naper Settlement. Stop in a to learn more! Full training will be provided at another date.

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 2 and February 9

MANNERS FOR MINORS - Read more about this program for kids. More >

Sunday, February 10

VICTORIAN VALENTINES - Read more about this program for kids. More >

Sunday, February 10

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Harriet Tubman More >

Saturday and Sunday, February 16 & 17
SWEET INDULGENCE WEEKEND More >
February has long been the month of romance. Discover the history and mystery of chocolate and Valentine's Day. Indulge in sweet treats and activities celebrating such traditions as hearts, flowers, candles, music, poems and love notes.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50 youth. Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

 

Monday, February 18 and Friday, February 29

SCHOOL'S OUT - Read more about our day camp for boys and girls 1st-5th grade More >

MARCH

Saturday and Sunday, March 8 & 9

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS More >
Warm sunny days and cool nights signal the arrival of spring and maple sugaring season. Learn the time-honored method of collecting sap by hand and experience the aroma of boiling sap. Sample the pleasing taste of maple syrup and take old-fashioned recipes home to enjoy. This is a memorable event that the whole family will savor.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50. Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

Sunday, March 9

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Thomas Edison More >

Saturday, March 15
VOLUNTEER FAIR
This fair is for adults interested in non-costumed positions such as: museum store clerk, gardners; floral designer; clerical positions; handyman skilled in carpentry, electrical or other trade skills; and a variety of other special events. Teens currently in 8th grade and older may sign up for all special events and the summer weekend ice cream cart sales. Held at the Meeting House on the corner of Webster St. and Porter Ave. - parking is directly across the street.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - no reservations are required

Monday, March 31

SCHOOL'S OUT - Read more about our day camp for boys and girls 1st-5th grade More >

APRIL

Tuesday-Friday, April 1-4

SCHOOL'S OUT - Read more about our day camp for boys and girls 1st-5th grade More >

Sunday, April 13

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Thomas Jefferson More >  

Friday and Saturday, April 11 & 12

WEED LADIES SPRING SHOW AND SALE
The spring show features creative seasonal arrangements and dried bouquets.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Admission to the sale is free.

Saturday, April 26
COOL RIDE - Clean Choice Vehicle Show
Join the Clean Choice Campaign of Naperville as they present 20+ hybrid and alternative fuel cars and trucks on display and representatives from 10 local car dealers to help you understand the benefits of making a clean choice with your next vehicle purchase. In addition, other local Naperville businesses which promote environmentally-friendly consumer products or services will also be on hand to help you learn how you can make a difference in other ways. Visit www.cleanchoice-naperville.com for more information. Free admission.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Presented by Clean Choice Inc.

Sunday, April 27
ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
This is the 18th Annual Tree Planting Ceremony, sponsored by Organ Transplant Support of Naperville. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave., followed by a tree planting at 3 p.m. at Naper Settlement, adjacent to the high school. Organ Transplant Support, a Naperville-based organization for donor families and transplant recipients, plants a tree each year at Naper Settlement to remember and honor donors and their families. Free admission to attend the tree planting.

Monday, April 28
SULLIVAN'S WINE DINNER
Sullivan's Steakhouse in downtown Naperville will host a Wine Dinner that benefits the Naperville Heritage Society, administrator of Naper Settlement, a historic museum village. Tickets are $175 for the five-course dinner created especially for the fundraiser.

General Manager Troy Smith and Executive Chef Terrell Cole developed a sophisticated menu that is paired with wines exclusive to Sullivan's cellar.

For the fifth year, Sullivan's Steakhouse is participating in the Taste of Naperville? at Naper Days held June 13-15 over Father's Day Weekend. The restaurant donates all their sales at the festival back to Naper Settlement.

On a historical note, Sullivan's Steakhouse is located on the same spot where the original Pre-Emption House was constructed in 1834, which was the first and oldest hotel west of Chicago. In 1946, the building was razed to make way for the construction of a new building for the Cromer Motor Company. Today, a recreation of the Pre-Emption House serves as the Visitor Center for Naper Settlement.
6 p.m., $175/person  Click here for PDF of menu >

MAY

The month of May
Community Heritage Month More >
In honor of National Preservation Month and Naperville's month-long celebration of its heritage, find out about all the programs Naper Settlement is offering.

Sunday, May 4
ENCOUNTER THE PAST - A VISIT TO THE NAPERVILLE CEMETERY More >
Take a walk through the history of Naperville by visiting the cemetery. Encounter some Napervillians from the past as they recount their stories.
3:30-5 p.m. All ages. $12/person, $10/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member

Sunday, May 11

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Louisa May Alcott  More > 

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18

CIVIL WAR DAYS More >
Famous figures roam the grounds as visitors experience firsthand a turbulent time period in our nation's history. See the Blue and Gray clash once again. Battle begins at 2:30 p.m. each day.
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. both days. $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6.50 youth (4-17) Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.
Presenting Sponsor

Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1 and June 6-8
DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE CUSTOM HOME TOUR
Tour some of Naperville's finest residences and see firsthand the great reasons to live in downtown Naperville. Visit www.naperville.net/ldnp/ for more information and ticket prices. Admission charged. Presented by Live Downtown Naperville Partnership. A portion of the proceeds from the tour will benefit the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement.

JUNE

All Summer Long - Starting June 9

CAMP NAPER! More >
Join us for another fun season of Camp Naper, where history is fun and kids love learning about life in the 1800s.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 13, 14 & 15

NAPER DAYS More >
Come explore Naperville's rich heritage. Celebrate the best Naperville has to offer by enjoying the Taste of Naperville, featuring a variety of cuisine prepared and served by the city's best restaurants; musical entertainment, bed races, kids crafts, games, petting zoo and much more. Visit www.naperdays.org.
Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/person, ages 8 and under are free.

Tuesday, June 17
SHEEPHERDING DAY
Come and see how border collies herd sheep during two demonstrations that will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. The Rev. John Seraphine of Heatherhope Farm, located near Sycamore, Ill., is bringing five
championship border collies and his own flock of sheep for this unique demonstration. This special activity is included with the regular admission price of $8 adults, $7 seniors and $5.50 youth 4-17.

Sunday, June 22 through August 17
SUNDAYS AT THE SETTLEMENT
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Play old-fashioned games, participate in sack races, tour the Victorian mansion, explore the homes and businesses, and try the new Geocache hunts. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free. (Sundaes are not being served during the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair on July 13.)

JULY

Saturday and Sunday, July 12 & 13

NAPERVILLE WOMAN'S CLUB ART FAIR
Juried artists will display their works at this 49th annual event.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission.

WEED LADIES FLORAL SALE
During the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair, visit the Daniels House where the Weed Ladiesl sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements and dried bouquets.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission.

Sunday, July 20 through August 17
SUNDAYS AT THE SETTLEMENT
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Play old-fashioned games, participate in sack races, tour the Victorian mansion, explore the homes and businesses, and try the new Geocache hunts. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.

Saturday, July 26

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT
Pack a picnic and relax under the open sky during this enjoyable evening of music. Chicago folk musician Michael McDermott will open for headliner Back Door Slam, a rock/blues band. 5-10 p.m. Visit www.napervillesummernights.com. $15/person in advance, $20 at the door, children under 5 are free.
Presenting Sponsor

Sunday, July 27

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR: EAST SIDE OF NAPERVILLE
Enjoy Naperville’s history during this hour-long tour. Join Naper Settlement’s Research Associate Bryan Ogg, a noted author, lecturer and instructor on historical topics, who will present a detailed look at the architecture in and around North Central College. From homes to churches, you’ll never look at the area quite the same way again. Walkers should meet at 3 p.m. at Old Main, 30 N. Brainard St., in the east side parking lot. $10 per person, $9 per Naperville Heritage Society member. Limited to 20 participants, call for reservations at 630.420.6010. Rain date will be the following week.

AUGUST

Sundays through August 17
SUNDAYS AT THE SETTLEMENT
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Play old-fashioned games, participate in sack races, tour the Victorian mansion, explore the homes and businesses, and try the new Geocache hunts. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.

August 3 - Sundays at the Settlement will be hosted by the Downtown Naperville Cold Stone Creamery, serving up their delicious ice cream.

Saturday and Sunday, August 16 & 17

TEXTILE TREASURES
Experience a variety of textile arts throughout the village during thie all-new "Textile Treasures: Threads Through Time" weekend. Enjoy quilts and demonstrations, plus seldom-seen historic quilts from Naper Settlement's Museum Collection. The buildings will be open for touring with a focus on special textiles. The Weed Ladies will also be selling their beautiful floral arrangements in the Daniels House. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 1-4 p.m. $8 adults, $7 seniors and $5.50 youth (4-17). Members are free.

Sunday, August 17

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR: DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE
Since the mid-1830s, downtown Naprville has had a thriving downtown area, which also has some of the oldest commercial buildings. During this hour-long tour, Naper Settlement's Research Associate Bryan Ogg, a noted author, lecturer and instructor on historical topics, will present a detailed look at the architecture in and around the downtown area. Walkers should meet at 3 p.m. at the northeast corner of Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. $10 per person, $9 per Naperville Heritage Society members. Limited to 20 participants, call for reservations at 630.420.6010. Rain date will be the following week.

Thursday, August 21
DINNER ON THE TOWN
Dinner on the Town debuts when hundreds of Naper Settlement supporters will gather at the museum for this inaugural gala. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and the opening of the silent auction at Naper Settlement, followed by a dynamic dining experience off site. What makes this event unique and appealing is the dining. The event attendees will not know where they are eating until that evening. As part of the cocktail reception, the emcee will spin a wheel of fortune of Naperville's finest restaurants and caterers. Diners will be whisked away to their dining location to enjoy their dinner. Guests will then be picked up and returned to Naper Settlement for the culmination of the silent auction, a live auction, dessert and dancing. $150 per person. For more information, call 630.420.6104.

Saturday, August 23

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS MOVIE NIGHT
Pack a picnic and relax under the open sky while watching a family flick, The Goonies,on the big screen. 5-10 p.m. Visit www.napervillesummernights.com. $5 per person.
Presenting Sponsor

Saturday and Sunday, August 30 & 31

LAST FLING
It's Bigger, It's Better, It's "Family Fun Land!" Make your way down to the Jaycee "Family Fun Land" at Naper Settlement for fun, crafts, science, fun, magic shows, characters, fun, and much, much more! (Did we mention FUN?!?!?) Visit http://www.lastfling.org/kids.htm for more information. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission thanks to the Naperville Jaycees.

SEPTEMBER

Friday, September 5

THE POWER OF MUSIC (Exhibit Opening)
Photographic Portraits of Americans and their Musical Instruments, 1860-1915
The images presented in this exhibit show the personal side of music-making in America from 1860 to 1915. This traveling exhibit opens to the public September 5 and runs through December 14, 2008. Members only preview will be September 4.

Friday and Saturday, September 12 & 13

NAPERVILLE WINE FESTIVAL
Wine tastings, food and wine seminars, and cooking demonstrations along with live musical entertainment. Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday, 2-9 p.m. $25 advance tickets, $30 at the door. Presented by InPlay Events. Visit www.napervillewinefestival.com for more information.

Saturday and Sunday, September 27 & 28

HARVEST POW WOW
Native American dancing, cultural demonstrations, children's games and crafts, special presentations and more. Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Adults $8, Seniors (62+) and children (6-12) $5. Call 773.585.1744 or visit www.midwestsoarring.org. Presented by Midwest SOARRING Foundation.

OCTOBER

Thursday through Sunday, October 9, 10, 11 & 12

WEED LADIES FALL FLORAL SALE
The fall sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements and dried bouquets.
Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10-4 p.m. Admission to the sale is free.

Friday and Saturday, October 24 & 25

ALL HALLOWS EVE - A 19th Century Halloween More >
Experience the Spirits of the Past in our "Village of Fear." Travel through the Prison Dungeon, roam the House of Dracula, inspect the Mummy's Tomb, and journey through the Underworld. Watch out for creatures of the night that haunt the grounds and be prepared to be scared! 6:30-10 p.m.  $9/person Not recommended for young children. Parental guidance suggested.

NOVEMBER

Friday and Saturday, November 7 & 8

WEED LADIES FALL FLORAL SALE
The fall sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements and dried bouquets.
Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10-4 p.m. Admission to the sale is free.

Saturday, November 8
VICTORIAN SECRETS
Tour the Mansion and then find out what's under those hoop skirts! More >

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 6
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Tour an 1883 Mansion in holiday decor and then enjoy a program with refreshments in our Tavern. More >

 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 12, 13 & 14

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES More >
Step back in time to a picture-perfect 19th century holiday with musical entertainment, beautifully decorated buildings, refreshments and more. Friday and Saturday 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6.50 youth (4-17) Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission. Presenting Sponsor

All Events and Programs Subject to Change Without Notice.  Special Event Rates Vary