JANUARY

Friday and Saturday, January 8 & 9

BRIDAL SHOWCASE
If you're planning a wedding, this is the perfect opportunity to meet with an array of local quality vendors at this up-close and personal showcase-one of the best in the Western suburbs! Friday 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More >
Admission is free. Includes food, drink and cake tastings.

Sunday, January 10

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Franklin Roosevelt, A Fireside Chat More > 

FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 7

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - The Underground Railroad 

More >

MARCH

Saturday nd Sunday, March 13 & 14

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS
See the time-honored method of collecting sap the old-fashioned way and visit historic building activity stations. Sample the pleasing taste of maple syrup and take home tasty recipes to make and enjoy. This is a memorable event that the whole family will savor. More >

Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.
$9 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $6.50 youth (4-17)
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

Sunday, March 14

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - From Auld (Old) Sod to New Prairie: The Irish in America More >

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 18, 19 & 20

WEED LADIES SPRING SHOW AND SALE
Their spring sale features one-of-a-kind seasonal arrangements and dried bouquets. Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to the sale is free.
More >

APRIL - Summer Season Begins(Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.)

Saturdays, April 10, 17, 24
BLACKSMITH 101 CLASS
This program is an introduction to basic blacksmithing. Participants will learn history of blacksmithing, safety in the shop, tools of the trade, and how to work the forge.  Participants will also complete a simple project. Requirements: must dress in clothes made from natural materials (such as cotton), heavy boots or closed-toe leather shoes. 8-10 a.m. Each class is limited to 6 participants, age 18 or older. The cost is $150 for the 3 class series. 

Saturdays, April 10, 17, 24
BLACKSMITH 102 CLASS
This program is an introduction to the next level of blacksmithing. Students will learn additional information about the history of blacksmithing, safety precautions will be reviewed, additional tools introduced, and work time at the forge to create a project of their own design from several options is included. Pre-requisite: previous blacksmithing experience or completion of Naper Settlement's Blacksmith 101 class. Requirements: must dress in clothes made from natural materials (such as cotton), heavy boots or closed-toe leather shoes. 10 a.m.-noon Each class is limited to 6 participants, age 18 or older. The cost is $150 for the 3 class series. Please note, visitors to Naper Settlement may be invited to view the class.

Sunday, April 11

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Stories Aboard the Titanic More >

Monday, April 26
WINE DINNER AT SULLIVAN'S STEAKHOUSE
Sullivan's Steakhouse in downtown Naperville will host a Wine Dinner that benefits the Naperville Heritage Society, administrator of Naper Settlement. A multi-course dinner is being created especially for the fundraiser. Sullivan's General Manager Troy Smith and Executive Chef Terrell Cole developed a sophisticated menu that is paired with exclusive wines. 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call 630.420.6104.

MAY

All month long
Community Heritage Month
During May, celebrate with a host of community programs, events and activities, along with area partner organizations and the City of Naperville.
Download the PDF brochure >

Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2

CELEBRATE NAPERVILLE HERITAGE ADMISSION DISCOUNT DAY
Enjoy two-for-one admission in honor of Community Heritage Month.

Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6.50.

Sunday, May 2

HISTORY SPEAKS LECTURE SERIES - Jacqueline Kennedy  More > 

Saturday and Sunday, May 15 & 16

CIVIL WAR DAYS
The historic museum village is transformed into a Civil War encampment where visitors can meet famous figures of the past and experience firsthand a turbulent time period in our nation's history. Hundreds of re-enactors participate, staging a battle complete with raging cannons and artillery. Walk the grounds and talk to President Abraham Lincoln, famous generals and characters that bring the past to life. The battle begins at 2:30 p.m. each day. More >
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. both days. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $8 youth (4-17)
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.

JUNE

All Summer Long -

CAMP NAPER SUMMER DAY CAMP!
Attention fun-loving, adventure-seeking kids. Each camp is a week-long session of fun, making new friends and trying new activities. More >

Summer at the Settlement
A celebration of fun and family-friendly activities for everyone at Naper Settlement's outdoor history museum. More >

Saturday and Sunday, June 5 & 6
NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAYS
Learn the history of doughnuts, visit activity stations and enjoy free doughnuts (while they last).

Friday, June 11
WORLD EGG DAY
Enjoy egg'stra special activities like an egg relay race and egg hunt.

Saturday, June 12
U.S. WOMEN'S TRIATHLON SERIES
Registration fo rthe triathlon takes place on the grounds of Naper Settlement.
Admission is free for all.

Sundays, June 13 through August 29
SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Play old-fashioned games, participate in sack races, tour the Victorian mansion, explore the homes and businesses, and try the Geocache hunts. Included with admission
$9 adults, $8 seniors 62+ and $6.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission. (Sundaes are not being served during the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair on July 11.)
Please check for details here. >

Sunday, June 20
FATHER'S DAY
Free admission for dads, with paid admission for their child, children or other paying adult.

Friday through Sunday, June 25-27
LOG CABIN DAYS
Try your hand at special log cabin chores. Hearth cooking and animal pelt demonstrations.

JULY

All Summer Long -

Summer at the Settlement
A celebration of fun and family-friendly activities for everyone at Naper Settlement's outdoor history museum. July is National Ice Cream Month, National Hot Dog Month and National Picnic Month. Celebrate these national favorites with picnics on the ground and Settlement Sundays. More >

Sundays, July 4, 18 & 25
SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Play old-fashioned games, participate in sack races, tour the Victorian mansion, explore the homes and businesses, and try the Geocache hunts.
$9 adults, $8 seniors 62+ and $6.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission. (Sundaes are not being served during the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair on July 11.)
Please check for details here. >

Saturday and Sunday, July 10 & 11

NAPERVILLE WOMAN'S CLUB ART FAIR
Juried artists will display their works at this 51st annual event. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit www.napervillewomansclub.com. Free admission.

Sunday, 18
SHEEPHERDING - SEE SPOT RUN!
See Spot run, when you watch a demonstration of how border collies herd sheep. The Rev. Johnand Connie Seraphine of Heatherhope Farm are bringing their championship border collies, including the newest puppy, Spot, and their own flock of North Country Cheviot Sheep. Read more!>
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m.
$9 adults, $8 seniors 62+ and $6.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.
Please check for details here. >

Tuesday, July 20
NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY
Get a free lollipop and learn about the history of this candy that dates back to the 1800s. Cool off when Jerry Zimmerman of Fermilab performs his cryogenics show as "Mr. Freeze" at 1:30 p.m.

Friday, July 23

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS MOVIE NIGHT
Pack a picnic and relax under the open sky at the Naperville Summer Nights weekend. Start the weekend with a teenage Battle of the Bands on Friday, July 23 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., followed by Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starting at 8:30 p.m. or dusk. The winner of the Battle of the Bands will be the opening act for the music concert on the next evening, July 24. Bring your own picnic, blankets and lawn chairs for a night of relaxation and entertainment. $5/per person for the Battle of the Bands and the movie. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Visit www.napervillesummernights.com for more information or for tickets www.signmeup.com.

Limited food and drink vendors will be on site. No outside beverages are allowed.

Saturday, July 24

NAPERVILLE SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT
The winner of the Teen Battle of the Bands on Friday, July 23 will be the opening act for tonight's music concert, followed by State and Madison and headliners A Rocket to the Moon. Bring your own picnic, blankets and lawn chairs for a night of relaxation and entertainment. $15/person in advance for the concert; $20 at the door. Visit www.napervillesummernights.com for more information or for ticketswww.signmeup.com.
Limited food and drink vendors will be on site. No outside beverages are allowed.

Wednesday, July 28
BEATRIX POTTER'S BIRTHDAY
Storytelling in honor of author Beatrix Potter, who wrote the beloved Peter Rabbit books and was born on this date in 1866.

Thursday, July 29
Audubon Society
Learn about the birds of Illinois during this Audubon Society presentation. 10 am and 12:30 p.m.

AUGUST

All Summer Long -

Summer at the Settlement
A celebration of fun and family-friendly activities for everyone at Naper Settlement's outdoor history museum. More >

Sunday, August 1

HERITAGE HALL OF HONOR
Come celebrate with honorees as they are inducted into the Naperville Heritage Society's Heritage Hall of Honor, a yearly recognition for people and organizations who have made significant impacts and contributions to the Settlement and Heritage Society. 2-4 p.m. Presentation is open to the public at no charge. More >

Sundays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae during Settlement Sundays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Each Sunday, admission to the historic museum village not only includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings, but also a variety of hands-on activities during the Settlement's open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Play old-fashioned games, participate in sack races, tour the Victorian mansion, explore the homes and businesses, and try the Geocache hunts.
$9 adults, $8 seniors 62+ and $6.50 youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free.
Naperville Heritage Society members and Season Pass Holders receive free admission.
Please check for details here. >

Wednesday, August 4
LINCOLN PENNY DAY

Sunday, August 8
DISCOVER THE DOLLAR DAY
Visitors will be able to search for a variety of secret symbols on the dollar bill and take it home as a prize.

Tuesday, August 10
NATIONAL S' MORES DAY
Naper Settlement will be open until 8 p.m. today - families can bring a picnic dinner, then join in the fun in the fort to make s' mores and play games.

Thursday, August 19
NATIONAL POTATO DAY

SEPTEMBER

Saturday and Sunday, September 4 & 5

LAST FLING - Family Fun Land
It's Bigger, It's Better, It's "Family Fun Land!" Make your way down to the Jaycee "Family Fun Land" at Naper Settlement for fun, crafts, science, magic shows, characters, and more! Presented by the Naperville Jaycees.
Visit www.lastfling.org for more information. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free admission

Saturday, September 11
DINNER ON THE TOWN
Spin your way to a dining extravaganza at this Naperville Heritage Society gala evening. Find out moments before you are whisked off by limousine or trolley, which prominent restaurant, private home or historic building you will travel to for a gourmet-style meal. Socialize over dinner with friends and community members, and then return to Naper Settlement for dessert and dancing under the stars. This not-to-be-missed event also features a premiere specialty auction. Fee charged. Limited seating. Reservations required. For more information, call 630.420.6104. More >

Sunday, September 12
NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY
Free admission for grandparents with paid admission for child or other paying adult.

Thursday through Sunday, September 16, 17, 18 & 19

WEED LADIES FALL FLORAL SALE
Their fall sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements and dried bouquets. Located in the Daniels House. Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission to the sale is free. More >

Friday and Saturday, September 17 & 18

NAPERVILLE WINE FESTIVAL
Wine tastings, food and wine seminars, and cooking demonstrations along with live musical entertainment. Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday, 2-9 p.m. Admission charged. Presented by InPlay Events. Visit www.napervillewinefestival.com for more information.

Saturday and Sunday, September 25 & 26

HARVEST POW WOW
Native American dancing, cultural demonstrations, children's games and crafts, special presentations and more. Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission charged. Presented by Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Call 773.585.1744 or visit www.midwestsoarring.org.

OCTOBER

Friday and Saturday, October 1 & 2
OKTOBERFEST
Join the fun under a tent in the village. Hear live music as you enjoy authentic German cuisine during this fun salute to one of our community's ethnic heritages. Friday, 4-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $8/person in advance, $10 at the door. (Additional cost for food and drink on the premises.) Entrance to the festival will be on Aurora Ave. just north of the Martin Mitchell Mansion and just south of Naperville Central High School. Parking is available in the Municipal Parking Garage on the corner of Eagle and Aurora. And in the Naper Settlement visitor's lot on Porter Ave. and Webster St. More >

Sunday, October TBD
HISTORY SPEAKS
Please check our Web site closer to the date for information on the 2010-2011 lecture series. More >

 

Friday and Saturday, October 22 & 23

ALL HALLOWS EVE - A 19th Century Halloween
Experience two of the darkest nights of the year during this one-of-a-kind experience that brings some of the scariest literature of the 19th century to life. Watch out for creatures of the night that haunt the grounds and be prepared to be scared! 6:30-10 p.m.  $15/person ($2 off advance purchased tickets) Rated PG-Creepy! Not recommended for young children. Parental guidance suggested. More >

NOVEMBER - Winter Season Begins

Wednesday-Friday, November 3-5
2010 Annual Illinois Association of Museums Conference
Naperville is the site of the 2010 Annual Illinois Association of Museums Conference, "Exploring the Magic of Place." Naper Settlement Executive Director Peggy Frank is the conference coordinator, in charge of overall planning and session topics. Illinois Museum staff members and volunteers, along with the general public, are invited to attend and register for the conference. For more information, see http://www.state.il.us/hpa/iam/.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 4, 5 & 6

WEED LADIES WINTER FLORAL SALE
Their winter sale features creative holiday floral arrangements and accessories. Located in the Daniel's House. Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Admission to the sale is free. More >

Sunday, November TBD
HISTORY SPEAKS
Please check our Web site closer to the date for information on the 2010-2011 lecture series. More >

DECEMBER

December 1 through 31
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY GROUP TOURS
Call ahead to arrange a group tour of the historic Martin Mitchell Mansion decorated in traditional Victorian holiday splendor, followed by an informative presentation on holiday traditions, such as Christmas trees and straw ornaments, in the historic 1834 Tavern. Sip tea and enjoy sweet treats while hearing from one of our Victorian costumed interpreters, then shop the Museum Store for distinctive gifts that you may only find at Naper Settlement! The program is 90 minutes in length. Be prepared to walk outdoors to the mansion.

Sunday, December TBD
HISTORY SPEAKS
Please check our Web site closer to the date for information on the 2010-2011 lecture series. More >

All Events and Programs Subject to Change Without Notice.  Special Event Rates Vary