The Aurora Museum & Archives has its origins in the Aurora Historical Society, which was founded in 1963. For 50 years, the Society developed, preserved and interpreted a collection of over 16,000 objects.
Known as the Aurora Collection, it includes archival documents, textiles, books, photographs, and artifacts spanning the period from 500 BCE to the present day.
Aurora Museum sign in use during the 1980s, Aurora Museum & Archives (2000.15a)
In 2013, the Aurora Collection was transferred to the Town of Aurora, and in 2015, it was re-branded as the Aurora Museum & Archives.
The Aurora Museum & Archives is the Town of Aurora’s municipally operated museum. In addition to collecting and preserving items that tell the story of Aurora, the museum engages with the public through a variety of cultural and historical endeavours.
Along with the municipal museum, staff are responsible for the restoration, documentation, and interpretation of the historic Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery as well as the curation for the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.