Did you know that Hillary House, a National Historic Site in the heart of Aurora, is home to thousands of interesting and important artefacts? Now, for the first time ever, supporters will have the opportunity to forge a unique connection with those objects. In this special 150th Anniversary year of Hillary House, the Aurora Historical Society (AHS) is excited to launch the new Adopt an Artefact program.

Adopt an Artefact pesents an innovative way for people to interact with the history of Aurora and support its preservation. A wide variety of carefully selected artefacts are now available to be symbolically adopted for a one year term. Adoption fees begin at $150 and are tax-deductable. Members of the community are able to benefit from this excellent opportunity and demonstrate their support of local heritage. They will receive an adoption certificate and photo of their artefact to display. Additionally, they may choose to have their name alongside their displayed artefact or select one of several other recognition options. On a case-by-case basis, the AHS will provide an informative, individualized, interactive session between adoptees and their artefact.

"We wanted a fun way to engage our local community with their historic roots," says Patricia Wallace, the Fundraising Chair at AHS. "And this provides a unique way to contribute as well. We’d love to see schools take on an adoption as a class project, or companies adopt an artefact related to their business. The Society feels that this is a way for the community to develop a personal relationship with Hillary House and the history of Aurora."

One item ready for adoption is a vest pocket folding camera, circa 1914. It served the same function of its modern digital counterparts and was used by the Hillary family primarily for snapping candid shots. This type of camera was one of the smallest available at the time and for that reason was popular with soldiers during WWI. Additional artefacts available for adoption include a beautiful christening gown circa 1874 that was worn by at least 37 Hillary family members, and a horse whip circa 1870. The whip was used by the resident doctors when travelling by carriage throughout Aurora and the surrounding area to visit patients.

Adopt an Artefact forms part of a major fundraising campaign currently underway. All contributions support the restoration and preservation work of the AHS as well as ongoing creation of new exhibits, programming and community outreach.

The Aurora Historical Society was founded in 1963 and dedicates itself to the preservation of Aurora’s heritage. A non-profit governed by a volunteer Board, the Society owns and operates Hillary House as a living history museum in addition to maintaining

The Aurora Collection, an extensive archive of artefacts related to the history of the area. The Aurora Historical Society hosts a variety of community oriented events throughout each year and is always happy to welcome new members, volunteers and visitors. 15372 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, L4G 1N8 ∙ 905.727.8991 ∙ www.aurorahistoricalsociety.ca  

Available for Adoption

Available for Adoption!

Westinghouse Turnover Toaster, c. 1915-17

This turnover toaster, produced by Westinghouse, allowed for bread to be toasted inside the cage-like side containers. Although missing its cord, this Turnover Toaster still has the two prongs attached (visible in photo on the left side) where the cord would have been. The plaque on the side of the toaster indicates it was made in the Hamilton, Ontario production plant.

Available for Adoption!

Amputation Kit, circa pre-1860

The above photo shows the inside of an amputation kit, which is housed in a beautiful velvet-lined hardwood case polished smooth by long use. This particular set was used during the American Civil War by Dr. Michael Hillary (1840-1884; brother of Dr. Robert William Hillary of Hillary House, Aurora). The amputation kit includes two saws, three knives, forceps, a tourniquet and two curved needles.