Aurora Historical Society branches out for Culture Days

August 31, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Erika Mazanik

This year, be ready for a double header from the Aurora Historical Society (AHS) for Culture Days on Saturday October 1.

Not only will Hillary House National Historic Site be open with free admission to our newest exhibit WWI: For King and Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we will also be setting up shop with our partners at the Aurora Cultural Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

After visiting Hillary House, come to the Cultural Centre and start by visiting us in the library where featured highlights of For King and Country will be set up, as well as a sneak peek at some of what you will find in our second World War One exhibition, WWI: The Middle Years and Road to Vimy, opening April 2017.

These two exhibits will explore the first years of the Great War; from the initial enthusiasm to the muddy trenches and sobering reality.

AHS has worked to be able to share stories of this monumental event from an international, national, and local perspective, highlighting stories of individual soldiers from Aurora throughout. The third and final installment of this exhibition series will debut August 2018 with WWI: Canada, Star of the Empire.

After being inspired by the artifacts upstairs, head on down to the basement where you can make your own war souvenirs. Dr. Robert Michael Hillary was a medical officer in the war, and he needs you to help him by creating a medical kit!

Kids can design and stock their very own medical kit to take with them to face their day. Once ready, they can take on anything, including making military medals to celebrate their achievements.

They’ll leave with a lasting memory and a better understanding of this important piece of Canada’s history.

For more information on AHS and our Culture Days activities contact Leigha Cooney at leigha.cooney@aurorahs.com or 905-727-8991.