Showcasing Tours All Year Long
Discover a museum where the past meets the present in a recreated outdoor village of 30 historic structures nestled on a beautifully landscaped 12-acre site. Welcome to Naper Settlement, where the past comes to life with costumed interpreters, special events and unique programs year-round.

Naper Settlement, the only accredited outdoor history museum in Illinois, is open for touring by groups of all types. Groups from a few to a few thousand are encouraged to plan a visit. Travel 'N Talk Presentations are also available during group tours or as separate programs on or off site. Visits and presentations are coordinated based on individual requirements and special requests. Groups from a few to a few thousand are encouraged to plan a visit.

Group discounts apply to 20 or more.

We welcome:

• Social and philanthropic groups

• Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other organized youth groups

• Senior centers and senior living groups

• Religious or church groups

• Reunion groups

• Spouse groups that are part of business or sales meetings

• Family and friend gatherings

• School children and pre-school groups

• Homeowners groups and neighborhood clubs

• Groups of any kind

Our engaging school programs provide an opportunity for students to experience what they usually only study in textbooks. History lessons come to life in our village, and our programs fulfill many Illinois Learning Standards in the Social Science category. Ask about group tour pricing, plus site rental, food service and special programs available at an additional fee. Please call 630.420.4161 or e-mail grouptours@naperville.il.us.

Travel 'N Talk Presentations

Looking for a unique program that can come to your business, school or facility? Interested in taking a historic walking tour of downtown Naperville? Already visiting Naper Settlement and want to add on a special presentation for your group? Our historic museum offers a number of traveling presentations and walking tours for your club, organization, business or senior center.

Programs are typically priced from approximately $100 to $250. In-house presentations may be paired with building tours, light refreshments, Victorian tea and cookies, or other options for an additional fee. Contact the Group Tour Coordinator at 630.420.4161 for details, prices and to make a reservation.

PRESENTATIONS (approximately one hour long, including questions)

• Victorian Secrets
  A peek into the traveling trunk of a Victorian lady who reveals her beauty and clothing secrets during this entertaining program that includes audience participation.
  
  
• Victorian Holiday Traditions
  The history of Christmas trees, ornaments and traditions, and how celebrating the holidays changed throughout the early 19th and 20th centuries.
  
• Victorian Mourning Customs
  The grieving customs of the Victorian era, including how they extended to everyday life, involving clothing, jewelry and social gatherings.
  
  
• Grandma Naper's China Closet
  The story of china, its use, and dating techniques using fragments of china found at the Joseph Naper Homestead Archaeological Dig
   

• Joe Naper's Original Homestead
  The story of Joe Naper's journey from Ohio to Illinois and what the things he left behind tell us about him, his family and Naperville. Features items from the Joseph Naper archaeological dig.
   
• Naperville Newspapers
  The history and development of the printed word in Naperville.
   
• Post World War II GI Housing
  The housing crisis following WWII and the response of Naperville contractors and builders including Moser and Shiffler.
   
• Mr. Naper's Neighborhoods
  The physical growth and development of Naperville from its original 80 acres to the large suburban community of neighborhoods.
   
• How to Research Your House
  How to use county records, maps, tax records, newspapers and other sources to research your house and its history.
   
• Preserving Your Family Heirlooms
  Tips on preserving your treasured family heirlooms for future generations so they are not damaged by light, heat, humidity, pests and handling.

WALKING TOURS (approximately 1-1½ hours long, including questions)

• Mill to Moser - Westside Walking Tour
  A walking tour that highlights Naperville's earliest settlement to the creation of Moser's first of many sub-divisions. A blend of history and architecture.
  
  
• Town and Gown - North Central College/Eastside Walking Tour
  A walking tour of the college and the immediate neighborhood illustrating the relationship between the college and Naperville.
  
  
• Piety Hill - Walking Tour
  A walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the cluster of church buildings on the eastside of Naperville. A combination of architectural and congregational history.
  
  
• Downtown Walking Tour
  A compact walking tour highlighting the history and architecture of the buildings and businesses of downtown Naperville.
  
  
• Eastside Walking Tour
  A walking tour of the homes, churches and businesses in the area once known as Quality Hill. Predominately an architectural tour with a few biographies and histories of families.

Rental Opportunities with your Group Tours
Combine your group tour with a rental of a historic building or our grounds for a party, business meeting, seminar, reunion program or other gathering. Picnics, tented events and Travel 'N Talk Presentations are available at an additional fee. Please contact 630.420.6104 for information on rentals.