Naper Settlement is set to roll out its seasonal welcome mat as it shines in news of re-accreditation from the American Association of Museums
Simply show your proof of residency and wander the 12 acres gaining a close-up look at our local history, smelling the flowers and appreciating the new environmental improvements throughout the grounds. And while you step back in time, consider that Naperville’s historic village is basking in news of re-accreditation from the American Association of Museums.
FYI: Did you know the Martin-Mitchell Mansion, pictured here, is the original structure at Chicagoland’s outdoor history village?
For non-members and out-of-town visitors, regular daily admission is now $12 adults (13+), $10 seniors (62+) and $8 youth (4-12). Scroll below for fun April activities.
What’s more, as a member of the Naperville Heritage Society, folks will receive free admission to Civil War Days, Oktoberfest, All Hallows Eve, and the new six nights of Naper Nights concerts is now available for members and season pass holders. These enhanced benefits are extended to current season pass holders and members with 2012 expiration dates. Consider upgrading today for more free passes.
In addition to regular popular special events, Naper Settlement will host Naper Nights. This inaugural event, presented by Sikich LLP, is a series of community concerts being held on the fourth weekend of June, July and August. This premier outdoor concert series is unlike anything else in the community featuring national and local entertainment including American English, The Smithereens, Buckwheat Zydeco, Al Stewart, Kashmir and ARRA.
Fundraising events welcome guests, too, including Naper Wine & Dine at Sullivan’s Steakhouse on April 23 and Dinner on the Town on Sept. 8 at Naper Settlement.
Here’s the scoop about re-accreditation…
On April 6, Naper Settlement announced its good news that the museum again has achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and to the museum-going public. Naper Settlement was initially accredited in 2002. All museums must undergo a re-accreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.
AAM accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for 35 years, AAM’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable — all in order to provide the best possible service to the public.Naper Settlement President & CEO Peggy Frank receives the certificate of accreditation from Ford Bell, president of the American Association of Museums, in Washington, D.C.
“We are pleased to have received re-accreditation from the American Association of Museums,” said Naper Settlement President & CEO Peggy Frank, pictured at right with Ford W. Bell, AAM president, receiving the certificate of accreditation in Washington, D.C.
“Since 2002 when we first received accreditation, we have made many improvements based on the peer reviewers’ recommendations, including our new Collections Care and Storage Facility, expansion to our research efforts and development of an engaging new visitors’ interpretive experience. The accreditation process allows a museum to take an introspective look at all aspects of its operations and it has helped us to continually improve to better serve our public. The re-accreditation process was an outstanding effort by our staff and Board of Directors,” Frank said.
Of the nation’s estimated 17,500 museums, 778 are currently accredited. Naper Settlement is one of only 25 museums accredited in Illinois, the only accredited museum in DuPage County and the state’s only accredited outdoor history museum.
Accreditation is a very rigorous, but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation. While the time to complete the process varies by museum, it generally takes as much as three years.
“Accreditation is emblematic of an institution’s commitment to public service and to overall excellence,” said Bell. “Attaining accreditation involves taking a hard look at yourself, allowing your peers in the field to do the same, and being judged to be superior in all areas. The people of Naperville can take great pride in the fact that their local institution is one of America’s premier museums.”
About Naper Settlement
History comes to life at Naper Settlement, Chicagoland’s outdoor history museum, located at 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Naper Settlement has 30 historic structures ranging from a rustic log cabin to an elegant Victorian mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more info about hours and admission prices, special programs, summer camps, fundraising events, membership and more, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.
Photo of Accreditation Courtesy of Naper Settlement.
