Aurora History Museum in Aurora Colorado
Located in the former Zion Lutheran Church built in 1909, the Aurora History Museum provides a fascinating look into the history and development of Aurora, Colorado through their expansive collection of artifacts, programs, and exhibits.
Aurora History Museum Address
15051 E Alameda Pkwy.
Aurora, CO 80012
Permanent Exhibits at Aurora History Museum
The museum’s permanent exhibits guide you through Aurora’s history from frontier times to the present day. The “Footsteps Through Time” exhibit covers the Native American roots of the area and the establishment of Fletcher, Aurora’s original name. You’ll see an 1870s sod house replica and get a glimpse of Victorian era life. Moving into the 20th century, “Turn of the Century Aurora” features a recreated 1900s Main Street scene while the “20th Century Aurora” exhibit has artifacts from both World Wars, the founding of Fitzsimons Army Hospital and more modern items from the 1950s and 60s.
Temporary & Traveling Exhibits
In addition to the permanent displays, the Aurora History Museum continually has new temporary and travelling exhibits on topics related to Colorado and US history. Some past exhibits have covered Japanese American internment, the Civil War, African American homesteaders, Victorian mourning rituals, prohibition, and more. The museum also offers immersive living history events related to the exhibits.
Hands-On Family Activities
The Aurora History Museum has lots of interactive elements to engage younger visitors. The Jeppesen Exploration Place area has hands-on activities like dress-up clothing, building toys and pretend play stations related to the museum. Kids can pan for “gems” at a mining sluice, operate a printing press or play vintage games. On weekends, staff often provides hands-on demonstrations of crafts, toys, machines and household items from the past.
Outdoor Displays & Events
Outside the museum, you can explore the 1902 Chicago-Colorado Colonization Company House exhibit to see what a typical worker’s home looked like. The museum complex also includes historic rail cars, firefighting equipment, a 1920s gas station replica, and more. Throughout the year special events and reenactments take place on the museum grounds like Pioneer Days or rail station openings.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in Aurora’s full history or just experience some old-fashioned fun with the kids, the Aurora History Museum offers a one-of-a-kind look into the region’s past through impactful exhibits and displays.
