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1. What age groups would enjoy All Hallows Eve?

All Hallows Eve is appropriate children 8 years old and older (including adults!) but not for small children.

2. Can I wear my Halloween costume to All Hallows Eve?

Unfortunately, you cannot wear your costume to All Hallows Eve because we want you to enjoy the activities that we have planned. If we allowed you to wear your costume, other visitors might think you were part of the "show."

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1. What is length of runner needed in the chapel?

A 50-foot runner is needed for the chapel. Runners are available from florists.

2. How many people will the chapel seat?

The chapel will comfortably seat 175 people.

3. How much does it cost to rent the chapel?

For rates and wedding availability, please call our main office at on Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.

4. Is the chapel air-conditioned?

Yes, the chapel is air-conditioned.

5. Are candles permitted in the chapel?

Candles are not permitted in the chapel, with the exception of memorial candles or a unity candle and two tapers that light it.

6. What is the address of the chapel?

The suggested address for wedding invitations is 523 S. Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540. This is the address for Naper Settlement's main office, which is also the closest physical address to the chapel. To add clarity for your guests, it is recommended you include "On the Grounds of Naper Settlement."

7. Where can guests park for my ceremony?

Guests are welcome to park in our Chapel lot on Aurora Ave., which has parking for 22 guests, including two handicap parking spots. Your guests may also park in the Naper Settlement Visitor Parking Lot, located on the corner of Webster St. and Porter Ave. one block south of Aurora Ave.
There is also additional parking at the Municipal Center, located directly across the street from the Chapel parking lot. Parking at the Municipal Center is permitted after 5:00 pm on weekdays and anytime on the weekends.

The Naper Settlement Visitor Parking Lot and the Municipal Center parking lots are public parking areas. Unfortunately we are unable to reserve these areas specifically for your guests.

8. Are decorations allowed?

Decorations are allowed, provided that bows are attached with something that doesn't scratch or stick to the pews. A rubber band or ribbon works best and is preferred. Floral arrangements are permitted. Every bride has a certain vision for their special day and we are open to any ideas you may have. Please call a member of our Guest Services Team at with your ideas, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

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1. How do I donate an artifact?

If you are interested in making an artifact donation, please at to discuss your potential donation and/or to set up an appointment for item review.

2. What does the Naperville Heritage Society collect?

The Naperville Heritage Society collects both two- and three-dimensional materials depicting Naperville’s history from its founding in 1831 to the present day, including materials related to Naperville businesses, schools, families, etc. To date there are nearly 75,000 items in the Museum Collection, including more than 14,000 photographic images. The materials accepted into the museum's permanent collection are held in public trust and are preserved in perpetuity according to prevailing museum standards.

3. What happens after I contact the Registrar?

Once you have made an appointment with the Registrar to meet either at your home or at Naper Settlement and your materials are taken for consideration, a temporary custody receipt is completed for every potential donation. On this form are spaces to note donor name and contact information, object name and description, any known history of an item, a space to check whether or not you want your item back if it is declined and a space to sign and date the receipt form by both the donor and the Registrar. A completed copy of this form is given to potential donors at the time items are dropped off or picked up.

If you do not live in the Naperville area, it is recommended that you mail or email images of the material to the Registrar. Once an item is offered for potential acquisition, it is added to a list of items to be discussed at an Acquisition Committee meeting. If an item does not fall within scope for the museum collection, it potentially could be added to the reference or education collections.

4. How are proffered materials reviewed by the museum?

Proffered donations are reviewed by the museum's Acquisition Committee, which consists of staff members from the museum's Museum Services division, as well as a Naperville Heritage Society Board appointed member, and the President & CEO and Chairman of the Board, all of whom are knowledgeable about the museum's collection holdings. The Committee's decision is guided by the criteria specified in the collecting scope, but also considers proffered materials with respect to condition, duplication to current holdings, as well as the required resources to properly store and care for the object in perpetuity. The sensitive nature of certain materials and objects or ownership and copyright issues may also determine the ability to collect them. Each item is decided upon by majority vote.

5. How long will it take for the museum to review my donation?

On average, the Acquisition Committee meets every six weeks. After the meeting, you will be notified by the Registrar of the decision about your proffered donation. It should be noted that certain proffered donations require some research prior to Acquisition Committee review, which will delay the decision regarding the acquisition.

6. Will the Naperville Heritage Society provide an appraisal for my donation?

The Naperville Heritage Society cannot provide appraisals for donated materials due to a potential conflict of interest. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) views museums as interested parties, and any monetary appraisal prepared for donors by the museum are subject to question or disqualification. You can find a qualified appraiser by contacting the following organization. American Society of Appraisers

7. Can I take a tax deduction for my donation?

The Naperville Heritage Society is recognized as a qualified charitable organization, and donations may be considered for tax deduction under the society's 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. Typically, the fair market value of donated materials is generally tax deductible. To be eligible for the tax deduction for your donation, you must file tax form 1040. For donors wishing to take a tax deduction on donated materials valued over $500 within the year the deduction is taken, the society will complete IRS Form 8283 (Non-cash Charitable Contributions), Part IV, Donee Acknowledgment. It is also recommended that donors consult with their own accountant, attorney and the IRS to ensure the maximum benefit of the tax deduction is realized for donated materials.

8. Will the Naperville Heritage Society exhibit my donated items?

NHS cannot guarantee that any donated materials will be exhibited, unless collected and accepted explicitly for that purpose. The museum is committed to ensuring the long-term preservation of donated materials, displayed or preserved in storage. Based on various factors and criteria such as condition and display needs for the museum, many donated materials are available for scholarly research and, on occasion, loaned to other museums and cultural centers for special displays and exhibitions.

9. If I donate materials to the Naperville Heritage Society (NHS), will they be returned upon my request?

NHS cannot return accessioned items to donors. Once the Acquisition Committee approves the acceptance of your proffered donation into the museum's permanent collection, a Deed of Gift is issued by the registrar and signed by the donor. This document provides transfer of legal ownership of the item to the Naperville Heritage Society.

10. If the museum will not accept my item as a donation, will they accept it as a long-term loan?

The Naperville Heritage Society does not generally accept long-term or permanent loans. While various materials are accepted on a short-term basis related to special exhibitions, programs or events, the institution chooses to commit its resources to the storage and preservation of objects within its own permanent collection holdings.

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1. What is a Naperville Heritage Society Historic Structures plaque?

The plaque recognizes Naperville homes and buildings considered architecturally and/or historically important to Naperville. It identifies structures that are significant to Naperville's history through the integrity of their location, architecture, materials and historical association. Historic Structures Plaque Program

2. Does my home or business qualify?

The first step is to request a packet of information from the Research Library at Naper Settlement. The information includes resources for research that can help owners in their quest for documenting the building's age and prior ownership. You can contact the Library by calling .

3. Will the plaque restrict remodeling or renovations I plan to do?

The plaque will not interfere with an owner's rights in making changes or improvements to their property. The issuance of a plaque does not reflect or offer tax credits or abatements for rehabilitation projects or properties.

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1. What are your hours and rates?

For information on admission fees and hours, please view the following webpage. Hours and Admission

2. Where are you located?

Naper Settlement is located at the corner of Aurora Avenue and Webster Street at the south end of downtown Naperville, which is just 28 miles west of Chicago. The address is:

Naperville, IL 60540
View directions to the site

3. Do you have rooms available to rent for receptions and meetings?

Yes. The lower level of the Century Memorial Chapel holds 80-85 people, and the tavern in the Pre-Emption House holds 44 people. Rental Information

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1. Is Naper Settlement accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, but due to the historic nature of our village, some buildings have limited accessibility. Wheelchair access to some historic buildings is available by chair lift or ramped entrance. Accessibility Information

2. Will we be the only group visiting?

If you are planning to visit Naper Settlement in April through October, generally there are many other groups visiting the grounds. However, we do limit the number of reserved groups that can attend on any given day. If you are planning to visit Naper Settlement in January, February or March, your students will be able to experience their own exclusive program. There may be other schools on our grounds at that time, but they will be participating in their own individual program as well.

3. What is the cancellation policy for your school programs?

Program cancellations must be made at least six weeks before your scheduled date, or you will be responsible for the entire program fee. Payment for our programs is due two weeks prior to your program date. Non-payment of the fee by the designated date does not constitute cancellation. If you must cancel a program, call Naper Settlement at as soon as possible.

4. Can we take photographs or videos during our visit?

You may take as many outdoor images as you like. There are many locations suitable for a class photo like the stairs leading the Chapel, the Conestoga Wagon and the porch of the Paw Paw Post Office. Non-flash photography is permitted inside our buildings, with the exception of the Martin Mitchell Mansion and the “Brushstrokes of the Past” exhibit; due to the sensitive nature of the artifacts. Use of tripods, videotaping or audio taping of educational programs is prohibited. Photography Policies

5. Does Naper Settlement offer programs that can take place in my school?

Naper Settlement's Education Department staff will come to your school to offer a variety of curriculum-related programs for students in grade school. This allows you to schedule programming at your convenience without worrying about costs or school bus schedules. Bringing History to You

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1. How do I become a volunteer?

You can complete the online application, contact the Director of Organizational Resources at or , or stop by the museum.

2. Do I have to dress in period clothing?

The Junior Volunteer program (for volunteers in 4th-8th grades) are required to wear period-correct costuming, along with Schoolhouse Interpreters and Blacksmiths. All other volunteer positions do not require special clothing, however there are costuming options for those interested.

3. Do I have to buy a costume?

Each costumed role is a bit different from the next. Museum staff will assist you in identifying the right costume. Naper Settlement also maintains a small library of costume patterns, as many volunteers make their own costuming.

4. Is there a dress code?

Besides certain costumed roles, there is no dress code. However, volunteers are expected to dress appropriately, as volunteers represent the Museum to visitors and the community.

5. What skills or qualities can Idevelop as a result of volunteer at Naper Settlement?

Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, such as public speaking , organizing, computer use, research, event management, and many more!

6. What type of orientations or training do volunteers receive?

Orientation and training for Building Interpreters and History Connectors takes place in late winter (usually late January or early ) February and in late spring (usually June). Orientation and training for Juniors begins in February. Other volunteer roles receive orientation when they being volunteering and training is ongoing, as projects and goals change.