History Speaks Lecture Series

History Speaks Lecture Series 2005-2006

Join us at Naper Settlement for this special lecture series on prominent figures and topics with primary focus on the 19th century. All programs are held in the Century Memorial Chapel. Reservations for all presentations are recommended. Please call 630.420.6010 to reserve your seat or to order a Series Pass.

2005-2006 Series Pass (for October 2005-May 2006)
$30/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member
$35/non-member

Single Presentation
$5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member
$6/non-member

Catch the Twain

October 9, 2005
An uproariously authentic characterization of Mark Twain's stories and lectures will be performed by Warren Brown with a first person question and answer session included. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:   Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography
            by Justin Kaplan
Youth: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
            by Mark Twain

Franklin D. Roosevelt

November 13, 2005
FDR comes to life in the capable hands of historical dramatist R.J. Lindsey. Through extensive research, meticulous attention to detail and the use of only documented speeches, letters and anecdotes, a vivid, living portrait emerges. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:    Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom
             by Conrad Black
Youth:   The FDR Way (Great Presidential Decisions)
             by Jeffrey Morris

Andrew Jackson

January 8, 2006
Andrew Jackson, also known as "Old Hickory," was the seventh President of the United States when "Naper's Settlement" was founded in 1831. To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Naperville, come and explore the personality and accomplishments of this colorful President through the entertaining talents of Terry Lynch. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:    The Life of Andrew Jackson
             by Robert V. Reminie
Youth:   Andrew Jackson
             by George E. Stanley

Mary Todd Lincoln

February 12, 2006
Donna Daniels as Mary Todd Lincoln will speak of her marriage to Abraham Lincoln and the traumatic years of the Civil War with a focus on the period of her life after her husband's assassination. The audience will learn about her insanity trial and subsequent hospitalization at Bellevue Sanitarium in Batavia, Ill. Appropriate for junior high school students through adults. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:   Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography
            by Jean Baker
Youth: Shattered Dreams: The Story of Mary Todd Lincoln
            by David R. Collins

Historical Illinois

March 12, 2006
Travel the time line of Illinois from the prairies to the urban societies of today. Hear from Terry Lynch how historical figures and events helped meet people's changing needs as the population grew. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:   Legends and Lore of Southern Illinois
            by John Allen
Youth: Historical Album of Illinois
            by Charles A. Wills

Gold of Tutankhamun

April 9, 2006
Historian R.J. Lindsey portrays Dr. James Henry Breasted, the first president of the Oriental Institute of Chicago. Dr. Breasted describes the efforts of Howard Carter who searched for the tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun. When the tomb was first discovered in 1922, Carter called upon Breasted to view the contents and assist in deciphering the hieroglyphics. The presentation includes a slide show of the interior of the tomb and its wondrous contents. Enjoy this presentation before Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs comes to the Field Museum in May. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:   The Complete Tutankhamun: The King, the Tomb, the Royal Treasure
            by Nicholas Reeves
Youth: Tutankhamun's Gift
            by Robert Sabuda

Victorian Lady

May 7, 2006
Celebrate Mother's Day a week early by learning about the life of a Victorian lady. Hear about her beauty secrets, personal attire and social activities. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

Suggested Readings
Adult:   Victorian Costumes for Ladies
            by Linda Setnik
            Victorian Woman (Victoria and Albert Museum Studies)
            by Suzanne Fagence Cooper
Youth: Victorian Ladies Stickers
            by Maggie Kate

George Martin II

June 11, 2006
Using research from the Naper Settlement archives, Terry Lynch has developed a first person presentation of George Martin II, prominent businessman and leading citizen of Naperville. Martin built Pine Craig, the beautiful home at the top of a hill, which is now known as the Martin Mitchell Mansion. Appropriate for all ages. 7-8 p.m.

The Chorus of DuPage

July 9, 2006
Enjoy the Chorus of DuPage as they sing beloved barbershop music of the past. The Chorus of DuPage is part of the DuPage Valley Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, also known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. 7-8 p.m.

To be announced

August 13, 2006