Naper Settlement seeks $145,000 to assess historic buildings, plan museum’s future, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/25/naper-settlement-naperville-study-buildings/)

The report published by the Chicago Tribune concerns a funding request made by Naper Settlement, the 13-acre outdoor history museum located in Naperville, Illinois.

Core Overview of the Report

• The Funding Request: The leaders of Naper Settlement (managed in partnership with the Naperville Heritage Society and the City of Naperville) are seeking $145,000 to conduct a comprehensive structural and architectural condition assessment across the site’s collection of historic buildings.

• Purpose of the Assessment: Naper Settlement is home to around 30 historic structures and facilities spanning Naperville’s 19th- and early 20th-century heritageincluding sites like the Martin Mitchell Mansion, historic chapels, a print shop, a blacksmith shop, and early settler homes. The funds are designated to hire specialized preservation architects and engineering consultants to evaluate the physical integrity, weatherproofing, accessibility, and maintenance needs of these aging structures.

• Strategic Planning and Museum Future: Beyond immediate repairs, the study is aimed at laying the groundwork for the museum’s long-term master plan. The assessment findings will establish a prioritized roadmap for capital improvements, future restoration projects, and interpretive upgrades to ensure the museum can sustainably accommodate visitors, educational school programs, and future exhibitions for years to come.