Naperville, IL -  

Beginning Aug. 8, Naperville residents will have a first-hand look at a real archaeological dig, literally, in their back yard. The Naperville Heritage Society is conducting an archaeological dig on the site of the Joseph Naper homestead, located on the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mill Street. When the City of Naperville purchased the property in April 2006, the Heritage Society committed to conduct an archaeological survey on the property.

Missouri-based SCI Engineering, Inc. will be conducting the survey, the goal of which is to identify whether there are materials related to Joseph Naper's homestead on site. The survey also will assess the site?s historical integrity and evaluate if features under the surface provide any insights or knowledge into the socio-economic background of Joseph Naper and his family.

Phase I of the survey involves using a backhoe, which will scrape the surface grass and debris away. During this phase that will begin Aug. 8 and is set to last about a week, residents are invited to watch from the sidewalk.

During Phase II, depending upon what is discovered, volunteers may be able to help with running excavated dirt through screens. Volunteers ages 9 through adults will be allowed to sign up at the start of each work day, on a first come basis, if volunteers are needed. Children ages 9 to 18 will be allowed to volunteer with parent supervision. All volunteers will be required to sign a waiver with the Naperville Heritage Society.

"This is a rare opportunity for Naperville residents to view and participate in an organized dig," said Debbie Grinnell, Director of Preservation Services and the project?s coordinator. "We?re fortunate to have the opportunity to explore the home site of our town founder. It?s not just a window to the past, but a time machine of sort that will allow us and the participating residents an opportunity to explore history in the most direct hands-on manner."

On July 31, the City Council approved the license agreement with the Heritage Society, which gives them permission to conduct the archaeological survey. Since the property is not on the grounds of Naper Settlement, formal authority was required to grant permission to the Heritage Society.

After the survey is completed, if historic artifacts are found, they will be catalogued by the archaeologists and staff at the Heritage Society. A site map will be prepared as well as a written report, in accordance with established protocol in the museum and cultural preservation arenas.

History comes to life at Naper Settlement, the only outdoor museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is open year round. From April to October, summer hours are 10-4 Tuesday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and $4.50 youth 4-17. From November to March, winter hours are 10-4 Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $4.25 adults, $3.75 seniors and $3 youth 4-17. For more information, call (630) 420-6010, the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.