What is the history of the Naper Settlement?
The Settlement is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin Mitchell. The Martin-Mitchell Mansion within the Naper Settlement outdoor museum. / 41.76944°N 88.15361°W / 41.76944; -88.15361 The Martin Mitchell Mansion, known to the original owners as Pine Craig, is a historic residence.
Do I need to RSVP to volunteer at Naper Settlement?
Current Naper Settlement volunteers are welcome to attend! No RSVP is required. Visit us Wednesdays at 8AM for a great workout while strolling through our beautiful, historical museum grounds. Plus, you can earn Naper Nights or History Speaks tickets for participating! This free program is open to all ages.
What is the Naper Settlement volunteer Open House?
This will be a great day to see if volunteering for Naper Settlement is of interest to you and also a chance to thank our current volunteers for the great job they do! Staff will be available to answer questions and help with registration. The Volunteer Open House will include activities, such as lawn games, an escape room, and a raffle.
Do you have to be a Naperville resident to visit downtown Naperville?
A person does not need to be a homeowner or a Naperville resident to attend. Explore the east side of downtown Naperville and learn about the ways the community developed along with North Central College. Tours last approximately 60 minutes and cover about two miles. Pre-registration is required.
What is Naper Settlement?
Naper Settlement, established in 1969, is a 12-acre (49,000 m2) outdoor history museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures from the Naperville, Illinois area.
How big is Naper Settlement?
13 acresNaper Settlement is a family-friendly outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages.
Who owns Naper Settlement?
Established in 1969, Naper Settlement, through a management agreement with the City of Naperville, operates under the direction and governance of the Naperville Heritage Society, whose mission is to “document, preserve and interpret the community life of Naperville, Illinois, including, but not limited to the social, ...
How long is Naperville Riverwalk?
1.75 milesCreated in 1981 to honor Naperville's 150th anniversary, the Riverwalk features 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, recreational facilities, and celebratory memorials.
Camp Naper at Naper Settlement
Campers will go on adventures in history, art, science, and more! Each of our 16 themed day camps provides immersive learning experiences that will capture your child’s imagination while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learn More
February 2022
School's Out! - Pioneer Kids (SOLD OUT) During Pioneer Kids, you’ll see just how tough pio...
Camp Naper at Naper Settlement
Campers will go on adventures in history, art, science, and more! Each of our 16 themed day camps provides immersive learning experiences that will capture your child’s imagination while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learn More
February 2022
School's Out! - Presenting The Presidents Don’t let these winter days get you down. Create, ...
How big is the Naper Settlement?
Naper Settlement, established in 1969, is a 12-acre (49,000 m 2) outdoor history museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures from the Naperville, Illinois area.
Who was the first person to give the settlement of Naperville to the city?
The Settlement is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin Mitchell.
When was Pine Craig added to the National Register of Historic Places?
He named the house Pine Craig, and his family members lived in the house until 1936. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The mansion is now part of Naper Settlement and underwent an extensive restoration from 2000-2003.
About
A non-denominational chapel built in 1864, Century Memorial Chapel features original stained glass windows and unique Gothic Revival architectural details. Ornamental lighting, high wooden beams, decorative hand-stenciling, and brightly-colored stained glass windows enhance its historic charm.
Professional Network & Endorsements
Uniquely beautiful with touches of history. Who wouldn't want to host their wedding day at this amazing venue. The staff is always willing to help where they can to ensure that you and your guests are well taken care of. Not to mention the overall beauty of the grounds and the surrounding area makes for unique wedding day experience.
Naper Settlement frequently asked questions
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at Naper Settlement?
Overview
Naper Settlement, established in 1969, is a 12-acre (49,000 m ) outdoor history museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures from the Naperville, Illinois area. Many buildings were moved here from their original locations and refurbished in a style fitting of their time periods that range from 1831, when Naperville was founded, through the early 20th century. Visitors can come for hands-on activitie…
Martin Mitchell Mansion
The Martin Mitchell Mansion, known to the original owners as Pine Craig, is a historic residence. The 12-room house was built with materials from Naperville businesses and stone from DuPage River quarries. George Martin II was the son of an immigrant from Scotland and made his fortune by taking advantage of local resources. He made agriculture his first venture, cultivating a farm and gradually expanding his land holdings to 1,000 acres. Martin then developed a limestone quar…
Programs and activities
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum that offers numerous other large special events. From 1982 until 2019, this included Civil War Days, a two-day reenactment, where the settlement was converted into a large encampment and more than 300 actors and actresses at a time re-enacted historical life and battles. Other special events had included Christkindlmarket and NaperLights. both of which were also cancelled in 2019.
Public funding
In 2014, Naper Settlement was one of 47 Illinois museums to receive funding from the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program as part of the state's larger construction initiative.
External links
• Naper Settlement Official Site