Aurora Historical Society 21st Century Museum Fund

(Established 2010)

Tanner Museum

Pierce Center

This fund is intended to underwrite innovative projects that will make history increasingly relevant for current and former members of the Aurora community.

Grants from the fund will help the Aurora Historical Society expand the effectiveness of its website with the goal of bringing the richness of the museum into the homes of all citizens.

Other grants will enable the organization to upgrade its exhibits and programs for on-site visitors.

The Aurora Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization, is one of Aurora's longest-standing institutions. Founded in 1906, the Society has been the caretaker of our rich local heritage.

Over the last century, the Aurora Historical Society has collected many thousands of artifacts—treasures of our past. Three-dimensional artifacts include prehistoric mastodon bones, tools, toys, furnishings and decorative arts, clothing and textiles, clocks and watches, Native American Indian artifacts, and a variety of other materials with local connections. Many of the items are Aurora-made products, such as the rare, restored 1910 Thor Motorcycle.

The Society’s archives house books, maps, documents and manuscripts dating from the 1830s to the present. Also available is a large collection of photographic images from the 1850s to the present.

The Historical Society operates two museum sites. The William Tanner House Museum, located at the corner of Oak & Cedar on Aurora’s near west side, has been owned and operated by the Society since 1936. Built in 1857, this historic homestead of pioneer hardware merchant William Tanner is on the National Register of Historic Places,

On the Tanner property, the Society also has additional buildings. The primary facility is the History Center, home to the Society’s Local History Research Archives.

Since 1996, the Historical Society has had use of the downtown Aurora David L. Pierce Art & History Center (20 E. Downer). This city-owned building, which contains exhibit galleries, offices, and the Museum Store, is shared with the Aurora Public Art Commission.

Every year, the Historical Society fulfills its mission by producing and presenting exhibits, programs, publications, and special events at its museum sites and at other venues. The Society accomplishes this with a very small staff and a corps of dedicated volunteers.

Aurora Historical Society 21st Century Museum Fund

If you would prefer to make your contribution by check or money order,
please print out our contribution form.

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