Naperville - Naper Settlement will be celebrating the citywide Community Heritage Month in May with special activities planned throughout the month.  

Special admission price May 3-4

In honor of Community Heritage Month, Naper Settlement will be offering two-for-the-price-of-one admission Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors and $5.50 youth 4-17. Throughout May, the History Hunt guide is available free-of-charge. Naper Settlement's hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Encounter the past

Join Naper Settlement's museum educators as they take you on a spirited tour during "Encounter the Past - A Visit to Naperville Cemetery" from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Costumed actors and actresses will figuratively rise up from their graves to recall the lives of several Naperville notables whose final resting place is in the cemetery. You'll also learn about 19th century mourning customs. Appropriate for all ages, tickets are $12 per person. Call ahead for reservations at (630) 420-6010. 

Historic Structures Plaque Program

Homeowners interested in learning about the Naperville Heritage Society's Historic Structures Plaque Program are invited to a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at Naper Settlement. The topic of window maintenance and replacement also will be discussed. Call (630) 420-6010 to RSVP. Free.

History Speaks: Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott earned international fame as the author of Little Women, Jo's Boys and other books based on her life. In this History Speaks Lecture Series program, presented by historian and actress Leslie Goddard, meet the author behind these beloved works, who also volunteered as a nurse during the Civil War. The lecture will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 11 at Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel. Admission is $6 adults and $5 students. Call (630) 420-6010 for more information.

Research tools and techniques

Join Naper Settlement's Research Associate Bryan Ogg for a tour of the museum's Research Library and Archives at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Learn how these resources can be used to research your family tree or the history of your home. Call (630) 420-6010 to RSVP. Free.

Civil War Days

Experience history as you never have before during Civil War Days to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18 at Naper Settlement. The entire 13-acre site is turned into a Civil War encampment with more than 300 reenactors portraying the past. Meet the legends of the era as you come face-to-face with President Abraham Lincoln, talk strategy with Generals Grant and Lee, and hear tales of the Underground Railroad from Harriet Tubman. Cannons roar and a battle takes place at 2:30 p.m. each day. Enlist with the troops, enjoy music and magic of the time, hear historic presentations and shop on "Sutlers Row." Tickets are $9 adults, $8 seniors and $6.50 youth 4-17. Presenting sponsor is Comcast; sponsors are the Naperville Sun, Edward Hospital and Health Services and 95.9 The River.   

One-on-one with the curator

Enjoy a special discussion with the curator who designed "Curator's Curiosities" at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 22. Hear how and why these unique, unusual and interesting objects were chosen. The talk is included free with admission to Naper Settlement.

Naperville architectural walking tour

Join Naper Settlement's curatorial staff for a 45-minute walking tour at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25 highlighting various architectural styles represented in Naperville's neighborhoods west of the downtown area. Learn about the people, homes and building styles that prevailed from the 1850s through the 1920s. Meet in the Centennial Beach parking lot on Jackson Avenue. RSVP required, call (630) 420-6010. Free.

Revolutionary War patriot cemetery marker rededication

Israel Warner was a Revolutionary War patriot who moved to Illinois with his family in the early 1800s. He is one of only 15 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the Northern Illinois area. The cemetery marker at his grave site has been restored and will be rededicated at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at Big Woods Cemetery on Eola Road, just south of Butterfield Road. Joining in the ceremony will be the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Fox Valley Genealogical Society and representatives from Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society.