Aurora
Illinois
Aurora Historical Society
The Aurora Historical Society is an Illinois not-for-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of Aurora's history. Since 1906, AHS has functioned as the primary caretaker of Aurora's rich heritage.
The Society cares for thousands of unique artifacts, operates two museum sites and a local history research archive, and presents a regular schedule of exhibits, programs, and events throughout the year.
Recent News
Aurora Historical Society Board of Trustees Changes
Longtime president of the Aurora Historical Society, Mary Clark Ormond, is set to retire from the board of trustees and Shawn Van Kampen has been recently elected to the group. Ormond, formerly head of the Aurora Public Library and for the last 40…
Read More »Jim Varney Chosen as New Trustee for Historical Society
Jim Varney chosen as new trustee for historical society Dr. Jim Varney, Ed.D., has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Aurora Historical Society. Dr. Varney is a retired educator who spent nearly five decades working with students from…
Read More »Tanner House Museum Reopens for Summer
Tours of the 1857 Tanner House Museum resume May 28 and will be offered every Sunday afternoon of the summer until September 3. Admission is free although donations are appreciated. Hours for the 45-minute tours are 1:00pm to 4:00pm. President…
Read More »Free Gallery Walk of Ruth Van Sickle Ford Exhibit at Historical Society
The style and techniques of mid-century artist Ruth Van SIckle Ford will be explored on a free walk through the current exhibit of her work at the Aurora Historical Society on Saturday, April 29, at 2:00pm. Art conservator Scott Sherwood will…
Read More »Historical Society To Exhibit Paintings By Ruth Van Sickle Ford
The life and work of artist and educator Ruth Van SIckle Ford (1897-1989) is the subject of the spring exhibit at the Aurora Historical Society. “Aurora’s Own Ruth Van Sickle Ford” will present her life story from her earliest…
Read More »Aurora Historical Society : 4th Anniversary of Pratt Shootings
The five white crosses commemorating the lives lost in the workplace shooting at the Henry Pratt Company on February 15, 2019, will be on display at the Aurora Historical Society from February 3 until February 18 at the Pierce Art and History…
Read More »Tanner House Museum To Offer Free Holiday Tours
Holiday open houses at the 1857 Tanner House Museum in Aurora begin Sunday, December 4, 2022 and feature 8 specially decorated rooms. New this year Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting on the opening Sunday, offering holiday greetings and photo…
Read More »Aurora Historical Society : 2023 calendar now available
The Vintage Aurora calendar for 2023, published by the Aurora Historical Society, is now available online at www.aurorahistory.org or at the Gift Shop in the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer, 60505. The calendar is $17.95 plus tax and…
Read More »'Take a Seat' exhibit explores the history of chairs
Chairs of all styles and eras will be featured in the fall exhibit of the Aurora Historical Society starting September 2. Drawn from the collections of the society, the chairs, sofas and miscellaneous seating will be on display until November 19…
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