Naperville's pioneers arrived in 1831, creating a robust, thriving community. But by 1969, almost 140 years later, some of the historic structures had fallen into disrepair or were perceived as obsolete. One such building was St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1864. Saving this church and other important buildings throughout Naperville became the rallying cry of the Naperville Heritage Society, which was formed in 1969. The Heritage Society raised enough money to move the church across town in 1970 to the city-owned grounds surrounding the Martin-Mitchell Museum.

St. John's was renamed Century Memorial Chapel and became the first of many buildings that were moved to Naper Settlement, including one of Naperville's oldest frame houses, the Paw Paw Post Office, built in 1833, and the Meeting House, DuPage County's oldest church.

In the 1970s, the Heritage Society forged a partnership with the City of Naperville, in which the City accepted the ownership for every building and structure the Heritage Society relocated or built at Naper Settlement. The Heritage Society has the management contract with the City for the ongoing operation and development of Naper Settlement, and is the direct governing agency for Naper Settlement.

Today, there are 30 structures located at Naper Settlement, a 12-acre outdoor history museum, and the only museum of its kind in Illinois that is accredited by the American Association of Museums. The museum continues the vision of its founders to save history for future generations and to be a resource for the community.

The Naperville Heritage Society?s mission is:

"To foster an awareness and appreciation of buildings, monuments, documents and property of historical importance to Naperville, Illinois, and to seek the preservation, restoration and protection of these by actively engaging the interest of the citizenry, corporations, foundations and governmental units;

"To encourage the owners of historic homes, business buildings and churches to maintain these structures in good condition. When such building, landmarks, monuments, documents and property must be disposed of, arrange whenever possible for their preservation at the original or another site;

"To create a complex (Naper Settlement) on the Martin-Mitchell Museum property in Naperville, Illinois, made up of original buildings or authentic reproductions thereof, having historical significance to Naperville;

"To create and obtain resources, to raise the necessary funds and to do any and all things necessary to carry out and accomplish these various purposes."


Read a detailed story of the Naperville Heritage Society in the January 2009 Commemorative Issue of the Treasures Magazine >