Holiday Mansion Tours
The Martin Mitchell Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a showpiece of Naper Settlement, especially decked out in full Victorian splendor during the holiday season. This year, the Mansion will be decorated and interpreted to coincide with the anniversary of World War I, also known as The Great War, which occurred between 1914 and 1917. As the war begins in Europe, the family is watching events unfold along with the rest of the nation. Take a guided tour of the two-story Mansion and Carriage House and stay to enjoy the holiday decorations of Naper Lights afterward. Tours will be held at 1, 2, 3 and 4PM on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Admission is $7 per person; $5 Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members.
Victorian Holiday Traditions
Celebrate the season from 3 to 5PM Sat., Dec. 6 with a guided tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, followed by an informative presentation about the history of the holiday in the historic tavern. Learn about holiday traditions, such as Christmas trees, ornaments, peppermint pigs and the Christmas pickle. Sip tea and munch on holiday cookies while enjoying a presentation by one of our Victorian costumed interpreters. Be prepared to walk outdoors to the mansion. Tickets are $18 per person; $16 for Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members. Reservations are required;
World War I Christmas Miracle
Rochelle Pennington, author of “World War I Christmas Miracle,” will present a program from 4 to 5PM Sun., Dec. 14, based on the true story included in her book, “Christmas Gifts: Ten of the Greatest Ever Given.” Drawing directly from the written memories of those soldiers who participated in the events of Christmas 1914, this presentation will detail the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the war “miraculously” halting at Christmas. Tickets at the door are $7 adults and seniors; $6 youth 4-12 and students. Save $1 on advance tickets.
Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited, award-winning outdoor museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville, where history comes to play and community comes to connect. The Naperville Heritage Society is the administrator of Naper Settlement. With a commitment to the community and a focus to the future, the mission of the Naperville Heritage Society is to collect, document, preserve and support the history of Naperville, Illinois, past and present. For more information, visit napersettlement.com or call (630) 420-6010.
