Museums

The William Tanner House Museum

The William Tanner House Museum is located on the corner of Oak and Cedar, (2 blocks west of Route 31 and 2 blocks north of New York St.)

Built in 1857, this Italianate-style house was the home to prominent merchant, William Tanner and his family. The family owned the home until 1936, when it was donated to the Aurora Historical Society. In 1976, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house features high ceilings, oak grained woodwork, ornate plaster decoration, and antique furnishings. Visit us and take a step back into the Victorian era.

Regular Admission: Adults: $5, Seniors: $4, Students: $3, AHS Members and Children Under 12, FREE.
You can get directions to the William Tanner House Museum here.

The David L. Pierce Art and History Center

The David L. Pierce Art and History Center is located at 20 E. Downer Pl. (Downtown Aurora on the island)

Owned and maintained by the City of Aurora, the Center contains the main offices and exhibition galleries of the Historical Society and the Aurora Public Art Commission. The Center is also the location of the Museum Store and Gift Shop.

Open Wednesday thru Friday, 12 to 4pm. Admission is FREE!

Phone: (630) 906-0650   Fax: (630) 906-0657
You can get directions to the David L. Pierce Art and History Center here.

The Aurora History Center

The Aurora History Center is located at 305 Cedar Street (next to the William Tanner House)

• Documentary materials dating from the 1830s to the present, including letters, legal documents, books, and maps.
• Photographic collection dates from the 1850s to the present.
• Resources cover all aspects of Aurora's history, including buildings, people, business, industry, religion, entertainment, etc.

Open Tuesday and Thursday mornings by advance appointment.

1. Aurora Historical Society staff conducts research for you:

• $10 per half hour for members of the History Museum
• $12 per half hour for non-members

2. You conduct your own research at the History Museum:

• On-site research: FREE to members and students, $10 for adult non-members.
• Hours are Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-12am by appointment only.
• Call (630) 897-9029 for appointments.

You can also email research requests here.
You can get directions to the Aurora History Center here.