NCTV17 to debut 'A Hallmark of Heritage'

Keeping with its tradition of telling Naperville's stories, NCTV17's next documentary tells the 40-year history of the Naperville Heritage Society. "A Hallmark of Heritage" debuts 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, on Channel 17 and its Web site, NCTV17.com.

The documentary traces the formation of the heritage society in 1969 by 12 residents concerned about historic preservation and follows through to the organization that today operates Naper Settlement, a re-created 19th-century village.

"Naperville Community Television has done an outstanding job capturing the story of the Naperville Heritage Society in this wonderful and informative documentary," says Debbi Grinnell, director of preservation services at Naper Settlement. "As historians and preservationists, this documentary shares the remarkable story of how members of the heritage society worked together to save Naperville's history from being lost forever."

The documentary team delved into the heritage society's archives to uncover photographs and information about the organization. Numerous interviews were conducted with the heritage society's founding members, past and present board members, Naper Settlement staff and with Peggy Frank, the society's executive director and first full-time employee. Frank is celebrating her 30th anniversary with the society this year.