Heritage society honors its volunteers

The Naperville Heritage Society is celebrating its 47th anniversary this year and we have the tireless dedication of volunteers to thank for creating this not-for-profit organization dedicated to education and historic preservation.

The theme of National Volunteer Week, held from April 10-16, is "Celebrate Service," which accurately describes the volunteers who started the organization in 1969 and the volunteers of today who give so generously of their time and talents.

Whether it is the board of directors representing the Naperville Heritage Society and the Naper Settlement Museum Board; building interpreters who staff the historic homes and businesses; volunteers who welcomed over 9,000 guests at special events; curatorial volunteers who assist with the preservation and conservation of our museum collection of over 60,000 objects; our youngest volunteers known as junior interpreters; and our teen and adult volunteers who are History Connectors, we are grateful for their continued efforts.

Our volunteers contribute 35,000 hours annually, which is the equivalent of about 17 full-time positions. This special week dedicated to volunteers presents an opportunity for us to celebrate those who accomplish extraordinary things through service as we build and engage community. National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change, discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference.

At Naper Settlement, our volunteers' selfless giving ensures that future generations will have access to the past and we can continue to educate our more than 140,400 annual visitors that history matters. We invite you to visit our new exhibit opening April 14, which celebrates and thanks our volunteers.

Rena Tamayo-Calabrese

President, CEO

Naper Settlement/Naperville Heritage Society

Naperville