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Hillary House takes part in Culture Days

September 18, 2013   ·   0 Comments

By Erika Manassis
Marketing and Events Assistant
Aurora Historical Society

On Saturday, September 28, Hillary House will be opening its doors for a day of music, tours, art, and activities for all ages, in celebration of Culture Days.

The entire community is welcome for a free tour. September 28 will mark the last day of the “open daily” season at Hillary House (May-September).

Visits to the house after September 28 can be easily made by appointment, but soon the 2013 exhibits will be de-installed, so don’t miss this last chance to view them!

Built in 1862, Hillary House is Aurora’s only National Historic Site (NHS). The NHS status comes from its architecture, as it is one of the best known examples of domestic Gothic Revival architecture in Canada.

The Gothic Revival movement was a reaction to the growing restlessness of the 19th century. The style, reflected here in Aurora by the peaks and intricate arches of Hillary House, appealed to the imagination and provided a perfect backdrop for popular novels and poetry.

We are lucky to have such an interesting piece of architectural history as part of the setting of our day-to-day lives here in Aurora.

Inside the house, rooms have been restored to show the passing of time. The main rooms are each decorated to reflect a specific decade, and will have period-appropriate music playing as you tour each space. There will be guides in every room to share their knowledge and answer questions about the history of the house, the Hillary family, or any of the artefacts on display.

Hillary House offers more than just remarkable historical exhibits and displays! From 2.00 – 4.00 pm on September 28, Hillary House will be hosting an open mic for local performers! Musicians, singers, and bands of various genres will perform on the grounds during this free open mic concert.

Culture Days at Hillary House will also represent the culmination of a month-long photo contest. Throughout September Aurorans are invited to view four historic photos from the Hillary Collection on the Hillary House Facebook page. To enter they must come to Hillary House prior to September 25, recreate one of the historic photos, then submit it to ahs@aurorahs.com.

The photos will be reviewed and posted to the AHS Facebook page. The public will be asked to vote on the photo by “liking” it on Facebook. Winning photos will be displayed in Hillary House on September 28!

Hillary House plays an important role in Aurora’s culture and stands as a testament to the town’s vibrant heritage. The Aurora Historical Society, which owns and operates Hillary House, is dedicated to the ongoing preservation and restoration of this important piece of local heritage.
Enjoy this piece of the past during Culture Days!

For more information about Hillary House National Historic Site of any of the upcoming events please visit aurorahistoricalsociety.ca.

         

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