Visitor Policies

Current Visitor Policies 

As of February 28, 2022, visitors are no longer required to wear face masks while at Naper Settlement. Guests are welcome to continue to wear masks anywhere in the museum.

Naper Settlement monitors and follows the State of Illinois’ COVID-19 guidelines and may amend this policy at any time. 

Assumption of Risk

Please be aware that by using this facility, you are expressly assuming the risk and legal liability and waiving and releasing all claims for injuries, damage or loss which you or your minor child/ward might sustain as a result of use of the Naper Settlement ground in any and all activities connected with and associated with this facility (including exposure to communicable diseases).

Admission 

The stated admission fee is required for entrance to Naper Settlement.  By visiting Naper Settlement you agree to all guidelines for visiting Naper Settlement. 

Attire and Behavior

All visitors are required to wear shirts and shoes in all buildings and on the Naper Settlement grounds, except within the Harvard Early Learning Playscape. 

Groups or individuals who fail to respect site property, or hinder the enjoyment of the site by other visitors, will be asked to leave or be escorted off the Naper Settlement grounds, without refund of their admission fees. 

While at Naper Settlement, cell phones and other electronic equipment should be silenced so that presenters and other visitors will not be disturbed. Talking on cell phones during building and other tours is prohibited. 

Smoking is not allowed in Naper Settlement buildings or on the museum grounds, with the exception of permitted smoking in designated areas during Naper Settlement special events. 

Food & Drink

Consumption of food, chewing gum, and/or beverages is prohibited in all buildings. Exceptions for certain programs, private functions or special events are made at the discretion of Naper Settlement administration. 

Alcohol is prohibited at Naper Settlement, unless it is authorized by Naper Settlement administration. 

Building Access

Access to certain buildings, or areas within buildings, may be restricted in accordance with Naper Settlement policy or the events of a particular day. 

Unless otherwise specified, visitors are not allowed to enter buildings under restoration, or into barricaded areas within buildings or on the Naper Settlement grounds. 

Baby carriages and strollers are welcome on the grounds and in the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center, Century Memorial Chapel, and Meeting House, but are prohibited in all other buildings. 

Photography and Appearance in Marketing Materials

Visitors are welcome to photograph our grounds and building exteriors and interiors for their own personal enjoyment except in the Building Naperville exhibit and the Martin Mitchell Mansion. Flash photography, interior use of tripods, and delaying a tour to take photographs are prohibited. Videotaping or audio taping of educational programs by visitors is prohibited.  Reproduction or publication of photographs or videotape must be approved by Naper Settlement's Marketing Department. 

The Les Schrader painting collection is under copyright, therefore, any form of reproduction of the paintings is not permitted without permission from Naper Settlement's administration. 

Photographers wishing to use the site for commercial or special projects (i.e. publicity, sale advertising, media, or student project) must obtain permission from Naper Settlement’s Marketing Department. Only those proposals that comply with Naper Settlement’s policy, procedure and fee structure will be considered. 

Visitors to Naper Settlement may occasionally be photographed and/or videotaped by Settlement staff or volunteers, the media, press, or professional photographers. Entry to Naper Settlement grounds constitutes the visitor's agreement to be photographed or videotaped and releases any claim to control these images, their graphic reproduction, or their resultant proceeds. 

Please contact us at towncrier@naperville.il.us with inquiries regarding commercial or special project photography as listed above. 

If you are interested in sharing your event, portrait or artistic photographs with Naper Settlement, contact us at towncrier@naperville.il.us for more information. You may be asked to submit a signed photo release. 

Museum Compliance

Naper Settlement complies with federal, state, and local laws, including ADA and nursing mother protection. 

Pets & Service Animals

Pets are not permitted on the grounds or in the buildings. However, service animals may accompany their owners. Animals related to Naper Settlement programming are allowed at the discretion of the Naper Settlement administration. 

Playscape Rules & Regulations

The Harvard Early Learning Playscape is designed for children ages 2 to 7. Posted rules are to be adhered to at all times and can be reviewed on signage within the Playscape area. 

Solicitation

Solicitation of visitors and staff at Naper Settlement by any unauthorized group or person is prohibited. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, Naper Settlement staff and volunteers will provide direction to visitors based upon museum policies and procedures. 

Vehicles

Unless authorized by Naper Settlement administration, motorized and non-motorized vehicles and sports equipment such as bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates are prohibited at Naper Settlement.