Naperville, IL -  Naper Settlement presents a new exhibit on doorknobs, a new program called "Bittersweet History of Chocolate" and a new topic for the History Speaks Lecture Series. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010.

Get a handle on history in new exhibit
View historic doorknobs from a local couple's extensive collection in this special exhibit, "Doorknobs: A Handle of History," which features unique and unusual hardware of the past. The exhibit will be displayed from Feb. 9 to April 15 in the Heritage Gallery at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

First-person presentation offers insights on the Underground Railroad
Learn how a "safe house" was used as a stopping point for runaway slaves to gain rest and nourishment before going on to safety in Canada in "The Underground Railroad" to be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Century Memorial Chapel, located on the grounds of Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Part of the History Speaks Lecture Series, Terry Lynch will portray an owner of an Illinois safe house and highlight several safe houses in the immediate Chicagoland area. Admission is $6 per person. Appropriate for all ages.

Bittersweet history of chocolate
For hundreds of years, chocolate has captured people's imaginations and taste buds. But the bitter-tasting drink the early settlers consumed was quite different from the creamy, sweet candy we enjoy today. Learn about old-fashioned chocolate traditions during a new program, "Bittersweet History of Chocolate," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+ and $5.50 (youth 4-17).

Minors can learn manners in etiquette class
Learn modern manners the old-fashioned way while eating a hot lunch during Naper Settlement's Manners for Minors class to be held in the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Children can practice telephone manners, how to set the table, write thank you cards and greetings, even pet etiquette. For children ages 5 to 7, the class will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. The fee is $45. Children ages 8 to 12 can take the class from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. The fee is $50. Call (630) 420-6010 for reservations. Fee includes lunch.

Be part of a fun day camp on a day off school
Sign up for an All-American School's Out Day for Girls in grades 1 to 4 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Celebrate with your favorite historical characters, hear stories, play games, create crafts and have a blast. Bring a sack lunch and a drink. The fee is $35 per day per child. Call (630) 420-6010 for reservations.

No experience necessary, fun included with music workshops
You don't have to be a musician to enjoy these workshops on Saturday, Feb. 10, with award-winning singer/songwriter Amy Lowe. -- In "Sing the Blues," kids will learn how to sing and write blues-style songs from 10 a.m. to noon. For fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders, the fee is $12 per child. -- Students in eighth grade through high school seniors can learn the art of songwriting through activities and improvisation in "From Story to Song" to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. The fee is $18. Both workshops will be held at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

The past comes to life at Naper Settlement, the only outdoor history museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement is open year round. For more information, call (630) 420-6010, the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.