This page was exported from The Auroran [ http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran ] Export date:Wed Apr 8 11:03:07 2026 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: Doors Open at Hillary House --------------------------------------------------- By Erika Manassis and Alexandra Riccio Aurora Historical Society You've probably noticed the house before. Set slightly back from Yonge Street. Hillary House and its surrounding landscape provide a welcoming, lush contrast to the busy street. Here is an excellent opportunity to finally step inside and explore! On Saturday August 17, Hillary House will be participating in Doors Open Aurora. The entire community is warmly welcomed for a free tour. If the “free” factor isn't enough for you, we have plenty of other reasons why this is the time to visit Hillary House. Built in 1862, Hillary House is Aurora's only National Historic Site. The status comes from its architecture, as it is one of the best known examples of domestic Gothic Revival architecture in Canada. 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. Whether it is your first visit, or one of many to Hillary House, there is always something new to see. On Doors Open Day there will be guides in every room to share their knowledge and answer questions. You will also be able to participate in activities for children of all ages and explore the three new exhibits which opened in May. Hillary House is home to a nationally-significant collection of medical artifacts and archives that reflect the development of medical practice in Ontario between the late 1800s and mid-twentieth century. This year, Hillary House partnered with Southlake Regional Health Centre to create Medical Practices: Caring for the Community. The exhibit explores changes in healthcare practices by showcasing medical artifacts from Hillary House, along with modern tools used by today's medical professionals. State-of-the-art display cases and beautiful text panels in the newly renovated exhibit rooms help highlight the fascinating, ever-changing history of medicine in Ontario. Visitors can also see the doctor's consultation room and dispensary from which four different doctors based their practice and served the growing Town of Aurora. Want more? Be sure to visit the Delicious! Food & Family 1940 – 1960 exhibit in the original kitchen/dining area of Hillary House. The familiarity of the artifacts on display will surprise you. The exhibit offers an intimate look at how food was prepared at Hillary House, and in many homes during this time period. You will also gain further understanding of the changes in contemporary attitudes towards food and meal creation. You can even add to the exhibit by sharing a home remedy with us! The third exhibit you can see this summer is the juried art exhibit Art at the Manor 2013. This exhibit showcases works created by three artists (Elena Yim, Nancy Falconi and Kallista Haughey) who had exclusive access to the medical collection as inspiration to their artwork. The theme for the exhibit was medicine and health, and the artists have created some incredible pieces! The art is rendered in a variety of mediums and will be available for viewing (and sale) in the Ballroom at Hillary House until September. 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 Doors Open Aurora! If you can't make it, the house is open daily until September 28 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (after September open by appointment). Admission is just $3 for adults and $2 for seniors or children age 12 and under. For more information about Hillary House National Historic Site or any of the upcoming events, please visit aurorahistoricalsociety.ca. For more information and updates about Doors Open Aurora or to volunteer for the event, please visit www.aurora.ca and click on the Doors Open icon on the front page. We hope to see you there! --------------------------------------------------- Images: http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2013-06-12-09-258x300.jpg --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2013-07-03 18:51:36 Post date GMT: 2013-07-03 22:51:36 Post modified date: 2013-07-10 16:19:38 Post modified date GMT: 2013-07-10 20:19:38 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com