Historic Preservation Programs
Preservation is an ongoing effort that is most successful when public and private efforts occur jointly and in collaboration. To that end, Naper Settlement promotes preservation through a number of programs and outreach efforts to share our resources and work with others interested in seeing Naperville's heritage preserved in a variety of ways.

We promote the care and maintenance of older homes and buildings, with recognition given through the Historic Structures Plaque Program. In order to capture the stories of people who live, go to school, work and participate in various events and celebrations in Naperville, Naper Settlement partners with NCTV17 to record these memories as part of our Oral History Program.

Development in Naperville
Naper Settlement encourages property owners and developers to contact us prior to tearing down an older building in Naperville. Naperville Heritage Society staff will evaluate whether further documentation is warranted given the property's location, age, architecture and known history. If the structure merits preservation consideration, the society may be able to help the property owner with relocation options if preservation and/or adapted use is impossible.

As a last resort, salvage opportunities for building materials to be recycled into Naper Settlement buildings or in other developments will also be considered. Although Naperville Heritage Society is primarily interested in building materials that are pre-1930s, in good condition and used in Naperville, there are always exceptions.

Meeting the challenge of preserving Naperville's history can be achieved when there is cooperation between developers and preservationists who can work together to save historical structures and artifacts within the community. Please contact the Vice President, Museum Services at for questions or to have us look at your home / building.