Special Events Get Boost From $311K Grant Awarded To Naper Settlement

NAPERVILLE, IL — Special events at Naper Settlement will get a boost thanks to a $311,229 grant from the State of Illinois. The grant was made possible with support from Rep. Janet Yang Rohr and Sen. Laura Ellman, via the Illinois Department of Commerce and and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), according to a news release.

“Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker, DCEO, Senator Ellman, and Representative Janet Yang Rohr for their support of the museum and its role as a cultural tourism destination for our city and state,” Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, Naper Settlement president and CEO said in a statement.

Tamayo-Calabrese added, "Their support allows the museum to continue to grow and provide unique experiences that not only showcase our 13-acre campus but Naperville’s rich downtown area and businesses, creating a lasting economic impact."

The grant money will be put into producing events that include the Naper Nights Concert Series, Howlin' at the Moon, Oktoberfest and other big draws for Naper Settlement visitors.

In a statement, Rep. Yang Rohr comments, "Naper Settlement continues to be a source of pride and knowledge in the Naperville area, with their special events highlighting communities, stories and histories from every corner of our state."

She added, "These unique special events fuel economic development and jobs for the whole community. Illinois needs Naper Settlement and the Naperville community to succeed going forward, and I plan to keep advocating for our community's most prized possessions: our stories and our people."

Sen. Ellman said, “Last August I was among the thousands of concert-goers who attended one of the Naper Nights events within the concert series, which lasts throughout the summer. Naper Nights is one of the many attractions that Naper Settlement has to offer our community. I am proud to have supported this Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, which will boost attractions such as the Naper Night concert series, and will result in additional funding for area hotels and restaurants."