Showcasing Tours Year-Round
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. Visits are coordinated based on individual requirements and special program requests. Groups from a few to a few thousand are encouraged to plan a visit.

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.

A Majestic Jewel Awaits

Victorian Holiday Traditions offers groups a historic house tour, informative presentation and shopping! Guests will take a tour of the 1883 Martin Mitchell Mansion, opulently decorated in traditional Victorian holiday splendor. Then sip tea and enjoy sweet treats while discovering the history of our present-day holiday traditions, such as Christmas trees and ornaments, as presented by our Victorian costumed interpreter. After the presentation, browse our Museum Store for distinctive gifts.

About the Martin Mitchell Mansion:
Built in 1883 by entrepreneur George Martin II, this Victorian jewel is the only building in Naperville listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open for touring during our Summer Season and year-round for group tours and special programs, the Martin Mitchell Mansion and its accompanying carriage house are original to the property.

The mansion also served as a showcase for Mr. Martin's brick and tile works, and features a foundation built from his limestone quarries located across the street. His daughter, Caroline Martin, Mitchell, bequeathed her family's home and surrounding 212 acres to the City of Naperville. She requested that it be maintained as a memorial to her pioneer family who settled in Naperville in 1833, just two years after the town was founded. Completely restored from 2000 to 2003, the Mansion is a testimony to the commitment of the Naperville Heritage Society who maintains the home and the surrounding site of Naper Settlement.

Traveling Programs
Looking for a unique program that can come to you? Naper Settlement offers a number of traveling presentations available to come to your club, organization or senior center. Programs typically feature a costumed interpreter who provides a 45 minute presentation followed by questions and discussion.

Current Victorian programs include:

• Victorian Secrets Take a peek into the traveling trunk of an old-fashioned Victorian lady who reveals her beauty and clothing secrets.
  
• Victorian Holiday Traditions
  Hear about the history of Christmas trees, ornaments and holiday decorations of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  
• Victorian Mourning Customs
  Receive insights on Victorian mourning rituals, plus information on grave markers and symbolic death rites from a historic perspective.

Rental Opportunities
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 custom programs are available at an additional fee. Please contact 630.420.6104 for information on rentals.