Calendar Year

• 2008
• 2009

All Year Long the Naperville Heritage Society Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

The Naperville Heritage Society marks the 40th anniversary in 2009. Founded in 1969, the Heritage Society was a grassroots, all-volunteer organization that has evolved into administering Naper Settlement, a nationally accredited museum. In celebration of the anniversary, there will be a number of special activities offered throughout the year. All visitors whose birthday year of 1969 is shared with the Naperville Heritage Society will be allowed free general admission during 2009 (please note that all special events are excluded) and will receive special recognition that day.

JANUARY

Friday and Saturday, January 9 & 10

BRIDAL SHOWCASE
If you're planning a wedding, you won't want to miss the opportunity to meet with 35 quality vendors at this up-close and personal showcase - one of the best in the Western suburbs! More >
Friday 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free.

Sunday, January 11

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - George Washington More > 

Monday, January 19

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

Saturday, January 24

WELL, EXCUSE ME!
Read more about this confidence-building program for boys and girls 1st-3rd grade. More >

FEBRUARY

Thursday, February 5

GALLERY EXHIBIT OPENING: NAPERVILLE IN THE AGE OF LINCOLN
Exhibit opening is for members only. Birthday cake will be served at the Preview Party in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Naperville Heritage Society. More > 

Friday, February 6

GALLERY EXHIBIT: NAPERVILLE IN THE AGE OF LINCOLN
Naper Settlement celebrates the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth with an exhibit about Naperville in the 1830s-1860s. The exhibit will examine the everyday life of an Illinois community during this era of sweeping national change.
Available during open hours. More >

Included with admission. The exhibit runs through June 28. 

Saturday & Sunday, February 7 & 8

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT LINCOLN!
On the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, join the party with games, activities, cake and punch. 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.

Sunday, February 8

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln More >

Saturday, February 14
VALENTINE'S DAY PROGRAM
Have fun learning the history of this holiday. Grades 1-5. More >

Monday, February 16 and Friday, February 27

SCHOOL'S OUT - Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln and Webkinz^® Day
Read more about our day camp for boys and girls 1st-5th grade. More >

MARCH

Sunday, March 8

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - The Underground Railroad More >

Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS
See the time-honored method of collecting sap the old-fashioned way. Sample the pleasing taste of maple syrup and take home tasty recipes to make and enjoy. This is a memorable event that the whole family will savor. More >

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.

Saturday, March 14

WELL, EXCUSE ME!
Read more about this confidence-building program for boys and girls in grades 3-5 More >

Friday and Saturday, March 20 & 21

WEED LADIES SPRING SHOW AND SALE
The Weed Ladies are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Their spring sale features one-of-a-kind seasonal arrangements and dried bouquets.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Admission to the sale is free.

Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31

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

APRIL - Summer Season Begins

Wednesday-Friday, April 1, 2 & 3

SCHOOL'S OUT - Clowning Around and Jr. Ecologist
Read more about our day camp for boys and girls in 1st-5th grade. More >

Saturday, April 18, 25 and May 2

BLACKSMITHING 101 CLASS - Read more about this three part program. More >

Sunday, April 19

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - The Art of Norman Rockwell More >

Sunday, April 26
ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
This is the 19th 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.

MAY

All month long
Community Heritage Month
Celebrate with a host of community programs, events and activities, along with area partner organizations and the City of Naperville during May.

Saturday and Sunday, May 2 & 3

CELEBRATE NAPERVILLE HERITAGE
Two-for-one admission discount during open hours.

GUIDED ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOURS
Saturday, May 2 - Piety Corner: Church and Central Eastside Neighborhood Tour
Saturday, May 9 - Town and Gown: North Central College Neighborhood Tour
Sunday, May 31 - From Mill to Moser: Westside Neighborhood Tour
Learn fun and unusual facts about these historic Naperville neighborhoods and their architecture in a guided walking tour. (Takes place rain or shine.)
3-4 p.m., $10/person, $9/NHSS member

Sunday, May 3

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Coco Chanel  More > 

Saturday and Sunday, May 16 & 17

CIVIL WAR DAYS
The historic museum village is transformed into a Civil War encampment where visitors can meet famous figures of the past and experience firsthand a turbulent time period in our nation's history. Hundreds of re-enactors participate, staging a battle complete with raging cannons and artillery. Walk the grounds and talk to President Abraham Lincoln, famous generals and characters that bring the past to life. The battle begins at 2:30 p.m. each day. More >
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.

JUNE

All Summer Long -

CAMP NAPER SUMMER DAY CAMP!
Attention fun-loving, adventure-seeking kids. Prepare to spend an exciting week in "Treasure Hunters" camp or "Adventures in Time" camp. Each camp is a week-long session of fun, making new friends and trying new activities. More >

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 19, 20 & 21

NAPER DAYS
Enjoy the city's best at this family-friendly festival, featuring a Taste of Naperville™, musical entertainment, bed races, kid's crafts, interactive games, a petting zoo and much more. Spend the day together with parents, grandparents, children and friends to enjoy the pleaseures of summer. Visit www.naperdays.org. More >
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.

Sundays, June 28 through August 16
SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS
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 Geocache hunts.
$8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission. (Sundaes are not being served during the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair on July 12.)

JULY

July-August
THE 'DOG DAYZ OF SUMMER' CELEBRATION

Naper Settlement is celebrating summer! Every week during July and August, the Settlement will feature unique and fun activities for all ages, including entertainment, games, activities, stories and guest presentations. Check our Web site for things like the history of the Chicago Hot Dog, Frisbee dogs at play, the life of K-9 police patrol dogs and more. Included with admission.
$8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

Sundays, July 5, 19 & 26
SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS
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 Geocache hunts.
$8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission. (Sundaes are not being served during the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair on July 12.)

Saturday and Sunday, July 11 & 12

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.

Saturday, July 18

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS MOVIE NIGHT - Ghostbusters
Pack a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs for a night of relaxation under the open sky while watching a family flick on the big screen. No outside beverages allowed. Limited food and drink vendors will be on site during the event. 5-10 p.m. Visit www.napervillesummernights.com. $5 per person.

Saturday, July 25

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT
Pack a picnic and relax under the open sky during this enjoyable evening of music from the rising stars of the music scene. No outside beverages allowed. Limited food and drink vendors will be on site during the event. 5-10 p.m.
Visit www.napervillesummernights.com. Admission charged.

AUGUST

Saturday, August 1

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS SHAKESPEARE THEATRE PERFORMANCE
Relax under the evening sky at this premiere Shakespeare performance. Pack a dinner or dessert and enjoy the fun with family and friends. No outside beverages allowed. Limited food and drink vendors will be on site during the event. 5-10 p.m. Visit www.napervillesummernights.com. Admission charged

Sunday, August 2

HERITAGE HALL OF HONOR
Come celebrate with honorees as they are inducted into the Naperville Heritage Society's Heritage Hall of Honor, a yearly recognition for people and organizations who have made significant impacts and contributions to the Settlement and Heritage Society. noon-2 p.m.

Presentation is open to the public at no charge

Sundays, August 2, 9 & 16
SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS
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 Geocache hunts.
$8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

Thursday, August 6

GALLERY EXHIBIT OPENING: DIGGING UP THE PAST: NAPERVILLE DIG ARCHAEOLOGY
Exhibit opening is for members only. More >

Friday, August 7

GALLERY EXHIBIT: DIGGING UP THE PAST: NAPERVILLE DIG ARCHAEOLOGY
See how history was uncovered by archaeologists during a dig at Joseph Naper's homestead. Learn about Naperville's early history and founding family as told through the discovery of exciting and unique artifacts.

Included with admission. The exhibit runs through December 15. More >

SEPTEMBER

Saturday and Sunday, September 5 & 6

LAST FLING - Family Fun Land
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! Visit http://www.lastfling.org/kids.htm for more information. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free admission thanks to the Naperville Jaycees.

Saturday, September 12
DINNER ON THE TOWN
Spin your way to a dining extravaganza at this Naperville Heritage Society gala evening. Find out moments before you are whisked off by limousine or trolley, which prominent restaurant, private home or historic building you will travel to for a gourmet-style meal. Socialize over dinner with friends and community members, and then return to Naper Settlement for dessert and dancing under the stars. This not-to-be-missed event also features a premiere specialty auction.
5:30-10 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations required. Admission charged. For more information, call 630.420.6104.

Thursday through Sunday, September 17, 18, 19 & 20

WEED LADIES FALL FLORAL SALE
The Weed Ladies are celebrating their 40th anniversary. Their fall sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements and dried bouquets.
Thursday 4-8 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Admission to the sale is free.

Friday and Saturday, September 18 & 19

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. Admission charged. Presented by InPlay Events. Visit www.napervillewinefestival.com for more information.

Saturday and Sunday, September 26 & 27

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. Admission charged. Call 773.585.1744 or visit www.midwestsoarring.org. Presented by Midwest SOARRING Foundation.

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 10
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. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Presented by Clean Choice Inc.
Free admission.

Friday and Saturday, October 23 & 24

ALL HALLOWS EVE - A 19th Century Halloween
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.  $10/person
Not recommended for young children. Parental guidance suggested. More >

NOVEMBER - Winter Season Begins

Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7

WEED LADIES WINTER FLORAL SALE
The Weed Ladies are celebrating their 40th anniversary. Their winter sale features creative holiday floral arrangements and accessories.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Admission to the sale is free.

Saturday, November 7
VICTORIAN SECRETS
Tour the Mansion and then find out what's under those hoop skirts!

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 5
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Tour the Martin Mitchell Mansion in holiday decor and then enjoy a program with refreshments in our Tavern.

 

Saturday and Sunday, December 12 & 13

HOLIDAY EVENT
A sweetened-up holiday event will turn the village magical for this special time of year. No matter your age, you will want to make this event a tradition. Costumed characters, colorful decorations, twinkle lights, horse-drawn rides and more, all create a memorable winter wonderland! Experience this new event, which goes beyond the 19th century and into present day.
$9 adults, $8 seniors, $6.50 youth (4-17) Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

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