Exhibits
Galleries
To encourage exploration of history at all age and interest levels, Naper Settlement has several types of exhibition galleries available for visitors as part of their tour experience. Both galleries are included with general admission.
"Brushstrokes of the Past: Naperville's Story"
The "
Brushstrokes of the Past" exhibit is a 3,500-square-foot permanent exhibition gallery. A combination of artwork, artifacts, historic photographs and interactives are creatively interwoven to share Naperville's development from a frontier settlement to an established 20th century city. This exhibition is open year-round to visitors in the
Pre-Emption House Visitor Center.
Heritage Gallery
In the "Heritage Gallery," temporary exhibitions on a variety of themes and topics are produced that highlight different pieces from the museum's artifact and archival collections, local artists, collectors and traveling exhibitions. This gallery is open year-round in the
Pre-Emption House Visitor Center.
Community Roots: Agriculture in Naperville
April 21–October 8, Included with daily admission
Farming built Naperville. Explore the community’s rich agricultural history, and learn how changes in technology transformed life on Naperville’s farms through the 20th century.
Naper Gallery

The Naper Gallery is home for the "History Connection." Geared toward children ages 3-10 but fun for kids of all ages, the "History Connection" is a great place to explore the past and play with history through a number of engaging, hands-on activities. The gallery’s three play stations support theme-based play of Building and Engineering, Imaginative Play and School. Stations include a play kitchen, Lincoln Logs, reproduction 19th century dress-up clothes, wooden blocks, puzzles, old-fashioned school desks and more. This exhibit is located in the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center at Naper Settlement. Due to temporary exhibits and special events, there are times throughout the year that the History Connection is not available. Please call the main office to be sure the play area is open. Call Mon-Fri, 8 AM-4:30 PM - .
Virtual Tour
View a
virtual tour of Naper Settlement to see its various galleries and exhibits.