The Naperville Heritage Society will receive $765,000 in state funding to expand the Naper Settlement Museum, a critical investment that will create jobs and advance economic development and tourism in the area, according to an announcement by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).
“Naper Settlement has been providing fun and educational experiences for over 50 years,” Ellman said. “It has attracted tourism and economic activity to our community, and I’m thrilled to know this funding will preserve such a phenomenal piece of our local history.”
The Naper Heritage Society will use the funding to construct a new visitor center and exhibition at Naper Settlement, offering new experiences and encouraging visits from tourists as well as local residents.
In related news, during the Sept. 21 Naperville City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously to re-affirm its commitment to fund up to $1,200,000 to the Naperville Heritage Society for the Innovation Gateway capital improvement at Naper Settlement.
Groundbreakings at Naper Settlement
During an earlier event on Sept. 19, Ellman shared similar enthusiasm for tourism and downtown Naperville when the Naperville Heritage Society board and Naper Settlement staff hosted groundbreaking ceremonies for two historic projects related to the city’s rural heritage.
First, several lineups of folks associated with the outdoor history museum did some ceremonial digging for the Benck Family Agricultural Interpretative Center.
Afterward, families and friends ventured to the site of the future Herman & Anna Hageman Memorial Thresher Hall.
Special events at Naper Settlement often provide time to connect with families with deep roots in this community. During remarks delivered in Century Memorial Chapel prior to the groundbreaking ceremonies, President & CEO Rena Tamayo-Calabrese reminisced about her valued relationship with Wilbert Hageman and she shared his motto, “No farmers. No food.”
PN’s fond memories with the Hageman family date back to DuPage County Fairs, Wheatland Plowing Match Association Pig Roasts and WPMA Spaghetti Dinners.
During the reception on the Mansion Lawn catered by Angeli’s, PN photographed members of the Hageman family. Again we heard, “No farmers. No food.”
