'Collector's Edition' exhibit open at Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement has more than 60,000 items in its museum collection, which includes thousands of photographs, artifacts and objects ranging in date from the 18th century to present day that chronicle Naperville's history.

But the museum's curators wanted to know, what does the settlement's own staff collect? In answer to that question, several Naper Settlement staff members and family members contributed to the new exhibit "Playing with History: Collector's Edition."

Chief curator Louise Howard, who has worked at Naper Settlement for more than 25 years, is an avid collector herself and passed along her love of collecting to her daughters. Through the years, she has collected everything from bicentennial pennies to vintage glass Christmas ornaments and the popular Beanie Babies.

"As a museum curator by profession, it seems natural I would have personal collections of my own," she said. "My multiple collections serve as expressions of my varied likes and interests throughout different phases of my life."

The exhibit will be on display until Thursday, March 31, in the Heritage Gallery in the Pre-Emption House Tavern at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Collectors and collections included in the exhibit are:

• Financial specialist Kevin Bixenmann's PEZ dispensers, including a trio of rare Elvis Presley dispensers, NASCAR and the entire Star Wars cast of characters.

• Curator of exhibits and interpretation Jennifer Bridge's collection of planters and vases made by Haeger Pottery in East Dundee, and a collection of American Civil War and Lincoln memorabilia.

• Registrar Sarah Buhlig's collection of squirrels includes figurines, a painting and even a Lego squirrel.

• Assistant director of the Robert R. McCormick Museum Will Buhlig's collection of whimsical Lincoln memorabilia.

• Director of organizational resources Josh Chartier's shimmering and colorful collection of Blenko glass.

• Learning experiences coordinator Anna DiCosola's extensive rock collection amassed from three mountain ranges, three continents and two oceans.

• Vice president of museum services Debbie Grinnell's collection of Krueger Brewing Company memorabilia and a collection of Chicago Cubs' programs that include two no-hitters and their win against the Cardinals in 2015, and Cubs' merchandise.

• Chief curator Louise Howard's collection of Ty Warner Beanie Babies and Bicentennial pennies and her daughters' collections of Jibbetz for Crocs shoes and pull-apart erasers.

• Corporate relations and sponsorship coordinator Nata-Leigh Preas' magnet collection reflects her travels throughout the country and also features a collection of charming wool felted Christmas ornaments.

• Guest services team leader Patty Paterek's pristine collection of uncirculated quarters from the 50 States Quarter Program.

The Collector's Corner exhibit is included with museum admission, which is $5.25 adults, $4.75 seniors and $4 youth ages 4-12. Children ages 3 and younger, Naperville residents and members are free. Admission includes the Visitor Center galleries and exhibits.

Winter museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The historic buildings are open only to scheduled groups through March 31. For more information, contact (630) 420-6010 or www.napersettlement.org.