Join us at Naper Settlement for this special lecture series on prominent figures and topics with primary focus on the 19th century.
All programs except for the Bill Kurtis presentation are held in the Century Memorial Chapel.

 

Reservations for all presentations are recommended but not required unless noted.
Call 630.420.6010 to reserve your seat.

Presenting: An Intimate Conversation with the Author

Tim Walsh, author of Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them
September 5 from 1-2 p.m.
Tim will give a fascinating presentation on the history of toy invention with a focus on the Chicagoland area as the epicenter for toy design. Walsh will also discuss his own story of game development as it pertains to his game, Blurt and the tales from toyland within his book, Timeless Toys. Following the presentation, attendees may visit nostalgic toy stations, from 2 to 3 p.m., and Tim will be signing copies of his book in the lower level of the Chapel.

$7 adults, $6 youth, Registration Recommended

Bill Kurtis, author of
The Prairie Table Cookbook
September 27 from 2-4 p.m.
In this special presentation of the History Speaks Lecture Series, Bill Kurtis will talk about his life, passions and historically-focused book, "The Prairie Table Cookbook." Kurtis is an acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, multimedia production company president, and recently became a grass-fed cattle rancher. In 2005, he founded Tall Grass Beef Company to champion the environmental and health benefits of grass-fed cattle ranching and to coordinate the efforts of small grass-fed ranchers across the country. The presentation will be paired with a Tall Grass Beef tasting, beverages and book signing. Held at the Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Lane in Naperville.

Tickets are $60 and include the cookbook, beef tasting, 2 bar tickets and book signing; $40 is for a companion ticket including beef tasting and 2 bar tickets. Limited seating, registration is prefered but tickets will be available at the door.

Burnham's Chicago

October 11, 2009 from 4-5 p.m.
Hear Terry Lynch as architect Daniel Burnham describe the history of Chicago from its beginnings as the "Wild Onion" to the "City of Big Shoulders." The year 2009 is the Centennial of Burnham and Edward Bennett's visionary 1909 Plan of Chicago.


Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth
 

City Beautiful: Celebrating the Burnham Plan Centennial

November 1, 2008 from 4-5 p.m.
Art historian and university professor Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions presents a slide lecture about architect Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago and its relationship to European and American precedents. Follow the transition from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition to the City Beautiful Movement so eloquently manifested in Burnham's plan.

Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth

 

The Legend of St. Nicholas

December 6 from 4-5 p.m.
Hear the stories of St. Nicholas, the protector of children through the ages, heartwarmingly portrayed by veteran performer and historian Terry Lynch. Learn about the origins of St. Nicholas in various countries, popular Christmas symbols, and worldwide Christmas traditions. This interactive program is for all ages and will be held on St. Nicholas Day.

Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth
 

Franklin D. Roosevelt - A Fireside Chat
January 10, 2010 from 4-5 p.m.
R.J. Lindsey gives a riveting performance as president, speaking informally, telling favorite stories about his wife Eleanor, Winston Churchill, Orson Wells and his Scotty dog, Fala. Hear about the Great Depression, his New Deal and the challenges of WWII.

Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth 

The Underground Railroad

February 7, 2010 from 1-3 p.m.
This original program on the Underground Railroad, created by Naper Settlement's Education Department, is presented as interactive theater with the audience participating in the roles of 1856 scholars. Walking from building to building, participants meet townspeople, among them an abolitionist, a Southern sympathizer and a runaway slave, who offer many different perspectives about the issues of the day. Dress for the outdoors; some standing required.

Reservations are required for this program, limited to 75 participants ages 10 to adult. Special pricing for this two-hour program: $12/adult, $10/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining members and students
 

From Auld (old) Sod to New Prairie: The Irish in America

March 14, 2010 from 7-8 p.m.
Weaving music with stories, singer and songwriter Lee Murdock presents a compelling story of Irish immigrants in Illinois. As they came to America to build their new lives in a foreign land, the Irish were also essential in building the canals, railroads, and towns that became Illinois and America. Both traditional ballads and modern historical songs are featured in this illuminating presentation.


Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth
 

Stories Aboard the Titanic

April 11 from 4-5 p.m.
R.J. Lindsey portrays New York Times Managing Editor Carr Van Anda in this compelling presentation that tells the story of the H.M.S Titanic from its construction to its final hours and the newspaper's response to the S.O.S. message it received from the sinking ship on April 14, 1912.


Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth
 

Jacqueline Kennedy

May 2, 2010 from 4-5 p.m.
Leslie Goddard portrays Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, who will share her story from her childhood to becoming the wife of President John F. Kennedy. As First Lady, she drew intense media attention for her fashion sense and her youthful appeal, appearing on the covers of thousands of popular magazines. She became a role model for a generation of women with her charm, grace and dignity in the face of heartbreaking tragedy.

Advance: $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students and youth, $6/non-member

At the door: $7 all adults, $6 students and youth  

All events and prices are subject to change without notice.