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Preserving the Past for the Future
When Peggy Frank took over as Executive Director of Naper Settlement in 1979, she was apprehensive. "I wondered if had bitten off more than I could chew," she recalls, "but it was such a warm, positive environment, that I soon knew I had come to the right place. I thought I would stay three to five years but after five years, I realized that I could grow with the organization and didn't need to leave."

Under her leadership, Naper Settlement has gone from a hometown collection to a respected institution for historic preservation. She says she can recall many milestones. "Every single building that is restored is a cause for celebration, as the building has a new life. The sesquicentennial celebration with the three day Joseph Naper Trek was a huge highlight. To have 50,000 people here really was a sign that we had arrived. The final opening of the pre-emption house and the restoration of the mansion were both exciting moments, but the biggest moment for me was when we met the American Association of Museum standards to become accredited in 2002. We were the first outdoor museum in Illinois to be accredited. It is the highest honor we could receive. There are less than 800 accredited museums in the country."

Today, Peggy manages an operation that includes the Heritage Society with more than 1,200 members, a municipally owned 12-acre museum village with 30 historic structures and a staff of 52 employees and 1,700 volunteers. Naper Settlement has received more than 60 state and national awards during Peggy's tenure. About 150,000 people visit the settlement each year.

The settlement depicts 19th century life in Naperville. Peggy says that the first Saturday in September in the late 1880's would have been market day at the Pre-emption House. The farmers would come to town to trade horses, shop and socialize. Farmers selling off their crops would be able to pay off their credit owed at local stores. "The big news would have been George Martin's new home on the hill at the edge of town. There would be talk of student returning to school after harvest. Talk would also be starting about the World's Fair coming to Chicago in 1893 and how easy it would be to get to Chicago now that the Burlington Northern was running through town," says Peggy as if she could see the past. "I love this job because I love the research." -Judy Buchenot

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