Built in 1883, the Martin-Mitchel Mansion, pictured here, was bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 for use as a public park and museum.  In 1939, the Victorian Eclectic 2-story home opened as a museum. In the early 1970s, the Naperville Heritage Society began developing the park setting into an outdoor history museum called Naper Settlement.

On Feb. 12, 2013, the Naperville Heritage Society, administrator of Naper Settlement, released news that its search has begun for a new President and CEO. The new leader will work with the Naperville Heritage Society Board of Directors and the Naper Settlement Museum Board to provide visionary and strategic leadership.

“A gifted leader with a dynamic skill set will raise awareness and steward the potential of Naperville’s gem, Naper Settlement,” said Steve Grosskopf, Naperville Heritage Society Search Committee Chair, in a press release. “The President and CEO will lead a talented staff and impressive venue to create a prominent regional cultural attraction.”

This is an exciting time in the museum’s history as the new leader will be only the second President and CEO to head the organization in its 44-year history.

“As the Naperville Heritage Society embarks on its long-range plans, we will choose our second Naper Settlement President and CEO strategically to celebrate our region’s rich history and enhance Naper Settlement’s bright future,” said Mike Krol, Chairman of the Naperville Heritage Society Board of Directors.

The Naperville Heritage Society Board noted that it is seeking to hire a President and CEO who desires a long-term commitment, resulting in the executive being rooted in the community as a citizen and leader. The scope of the position includes providing direction and leadership in strategic planning, community engagement and partnerships, capital development and fundraising. There are three major areas of responsibility: strategic leadership, philanthropic development and operational leadership.

“The Naperville Museum Board is excited to partner with the Heritage Society to find another great leader like we experienced with President Emerita Peggy Frank,” said Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel. “The new President and CEO will certainly embody Naper Settlement’s saying, ‘Where history comes to play!’”

For a complete description about the position, interested applicants should visit http://www.napersettlement.com/jobs.aspx.

About Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society

Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited, award-winning outdoor museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville. Our grounds are where history comes to play and community comes to connect. 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 www.napersettlement.com or call (630) 420-6010.