Naper Settlement mixes history with meeting, wedding venues
An interview with Donna DeFalco, public relations and social media coordinator at Naper Settlement.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Naper Settlement.
A: Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum located just steps away from downtown Naperville. We have 30 historic buildings and structures that tell the story of how Naperville evolved from a frontier outpost to a bustling community of commerce and industry.
Q: Tell us about the history.
A: Naper Settlement was founded in 1969 by Naperville residents who were concerned that our community was losing its history. The unique name comes from Naperville's original moniker - Naper's Settlement - named after founders Joseph and John Naper. The village concept was developed as a way to save historic buildings and artifacts for future generations. The cornerstone of our 12-acre site is the Martin Mitchell Mansion, an elegant Victorian home built in 1883 by entrepreneur and businessman George Martin.
Q: What does the venue have to offer when it comes to corporate meetings?
A: Naper Settlement has unique, historic spaces that are available, such as the Meeting House, the oldest church in DuPage County, built in 1841; Century Memorial Chapel, a nondenominational venue that can be used for lectures and meetings; and the Pre-Emption House Tavern, which is a reproduction of a hotel that was built in 1834 in downtown Naperville.
Q: What are people in your industry taking about?
A: Now that the recession is over, we are seeing an increase in rentals and weddings.
Q: How is social media changing the industry?
A: Social media has had a profound effect on the hospitality industry. Many people look for the reviews in Trip Advisor and other sites before they make a decision about where to book a meeting or have their wedding reception. We are so fortunate to have positive reviews on Trip Advisor and have received their Certificate of Excellence.
Q: Two people we should follow on Twitter and why?
A: We follow the Chicago History Museum @Chicago_History, because we learn something new every day about our neighbor to the east and the museum shares wonderful historic photos. We're also following @EnjoyIllinois, because we want to learn about all the cool places we plan to visit in the future and we are so grateful for Illinois Office of Tourism Director Cory Jobe's efforts to promote tourism throughout the state.
Q: What attracts clients here when booking meeting space?
A: People like the proximity to all the amenities in downtown Naperville and we offer unique meeting rooms. We also have a rental attendant who helps to make every event run smoothly.
Q: Tell us about catering options.
A: We have four award-winning caterers who are the best in the business and include: Angeli's, Belgio's, Chef by Request and My Chef Catering.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the venue that most people may not know.
A: Our Visitor Center is a reproduction of the Pre-Emption House, the first hotel and tavern west of Chicago, which was built in 1834 and was located at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Main Street, where Sullivan's Steakhouse is now. The hotel was torn down in 1946 to make way for a car dealership. The demolition of that building, which was considered so historically important that it had been documented in 1934 by a federal program called the Historic American Buildings Survey, led the way for the historic preservation movement of the future.
Q: What is one hospitality idea that you are willing to give away to our readers?
A: Know what your budget is before you begin - it's seems obvious, but it's the most important aspect of planning any event.
Naper Settlement
Address: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 420-6010 Number of employees: 36 When business opened: 1969 Web address: napersettlement.org