Naperville - Naper Settlement is digging it again! For the second time, archeologists from SCI Engineering and Naper Settlement Preservation Services staff will be surveying and excavating the Joseph Naper homestead site, located on the southeast corner of Mill Street and Jefferson Avenue, just west of downtown Naperville.

During last year's excavation, a wood plank, thought to be part of the cellar of the Napers' first log cabin, was uncovered. Also found were glass and pottery shards dating as early as the 1820s and a variety of other historic artifacts from the early 19th to the 20th centuries. Because of these exciting discoveries, more work is needed to uncover the secrets of Naperville's founding family, who settled in the area in 1831. This year, the second half of the lot will be surveyed and excavated.

"We're extremely appreciative of the support and funding from the City of Naperville for this next phase of work," said Debbie Grinnell, director of Preservation Services. "The preliminary explorations last year revealed the early occupation of Joseph Naper and his family, but it raised more questions. This year, we are hoping to learn more about the socioeconomics of how he and his family lived when first arriving in Naperville by revealing the subsurface areas of the property where he built his first home and outbuildings."

Heavy equipment will be on site Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 6 and 7. Hands-on volunteer opportunities will begin Wednesday, Aug. 8, and will continue through the following week. Volunteers are invited to help with the dig from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. For updates due to weather conditions and the progression of the dig, be sure to visit the Naper Settlement Web site at www.napersettlement.museum or call the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 for more information.

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