Naper Settlement Civil War Days Canceled In 2020

NAPERVILLE, IL — After 37 years, Naper Settlement's Civil War Days will not be held in 2020 and the organization says the decision is "explicitly a financial one." The event will be replaced with several World War II-themed popup exhibits throughout the year, Naper Settlement said in a news release.

According to Naper Settlement, attendance to Civil War Days declined by more than 50 percent in the last five years and a 50 percent drop in revenue since 2015.

Naper Settlement President and CEO Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, said in a statement, "This was exclusively a business decision. While we too share in the difficulty of letting it go, we are proud to know that Naper Settlement is part of so many special family moments and memories."

To replace Civil War Days, Naper Settlement will host a popup event that showcases how life was on the Homefront during World War II. Activities in the works include live jazz, swing dancing, vintage military vehicle exhibits, and more.

The popup exhibit will coincide with a springtime exhibit that Naper Settlement will have on loan from the National World War II Museum. The exhibit is entitled "Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy."

Tamayo-Calabrese said of the planned popup event, "The Homefront was a way of life for many Napervillians during World War II and it directly affected our residents and community, shaping how we live as a City today. There are compelling stories right here in our town and they are important to tell the next generation of Naperville."