Hillary House National Historic Site

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Hillary House National Historic Site Hillary House National Historic Site in Aurora is proudly owned and operated by the Aurora Historica

As one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Canada, Hillary House has earned its status as a National Historic Site. Unique not only because of its stunning architectural features, the building also retains the majority of its original furnishings - including an extensive medical collection thanks to its past as the local doctor's office. The Aurora Historical Society (AHS) is an independent, volunteer-led, non-profit organization dedicated to heritage education for all ages. Since 1963, the AHS has worked to preserve and promote Aurora’s local heritage by offering innovative programming, hosting unique events, and making the town’s history accessible through a wide range of exhibitions. Users of this page, please note:
The Aurora Historical Society (AHS) does not accept responsibility for the comments of fans on this page and it’s important to note that postings to the Hillary House National Historic Site page are not representative of the opinions of AHS, nor do we confirm their accuracy. We encourage the expression of opinions and free, frank and open discussion, but we do want people to act responsibly. Posts will be deleted if they contain:

- violent, obscene, profane, hateful, derogatory, illegal or racist comments, content, links or images or incite such comment or behaviour

-comments that threaten or defame any person or organisation

- solicitations, advertisements, or endorsements of any financial, commercial organisations

- multiple successive off-topic posts by a single user

- repetitive posts copied and pasted or duplicated by single or multiple users

-offensive, inaccurate, false, misleading or deceptive comments or content

-material which infringes third party intellectual property rights

-any other inappropriate content or comments as determined in Heritage Places absolute discretion. Users who do not comply with this policy will also be blocked from the page in Heritage Places absolute discretion. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected]

Posting photos to our wall:

AHS does NOT claim ANY ownership rights in photos that you post on our ‘wall’. However, by posting a photo on our wall you hereby grant to AHS a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, revocable, non-transferable, perpetual licence to use, modify, delete from, add to, publicly display, your photo, including without limitation in any online media formats and through any social media channels, pages or accounts. You can revoke this licence at any time by contacting us in writing at [email protected] and informing us that you no longer want us to use your photo.

This is mercury chloride, also known as calomel. In the Victorian period, it was used for everything from diarrhea to ...
10/19/2026

This is mercury chloride, also known as calomel. In the Victorian period, it was used for everything from diarrhea to depression. Calomel even appeared in powders made for teething children, as this developmental phase was seen as a difficult and dangerous stage of infancy. Many products were marketed to anxious parents hoping to ease the transition. Unfortunately, calomel caused “pink gums,” a symptom we now recognize as mercury poisoning. Despite its risks, calomel remained in use until the late 1940s.

Did you know today is also World Anaesthesia Day? This year marks the 180th anniversary of the 1846 public demonstrat...
10/16/2026

Did you know today is also World Anaesthesia Day? This year marks the 180th anniversary of the 1846 public demonstration of ether anaesthesia, when dentist William T. G. Morton administered ether during a tumour removal performed by Dr. John Collins Warren. It’s considered one of the most significant milestones in medical history. Anaesthesia made surgery far less painful and allowed doctors to attempt more complex procedures. But in an era before routine handwashing or sterilization, these deeper operations often led to higher rates of infection and post‑operative complications.

Only 10 days until our first Intimate Concert Series evening with international Clarinetist and #1 Best‑Selling Author ...
10/14/2026

Only 10 days until our first Intimate Concert Series evening with international Clarinetist and #1 Best‑Selling Author Paul Weston and celebrated pianist Joanna Grace.🎶 A few seats remain for this intimate evening of music. Get your tickets today on our website here https://aurorahs.com/intimate-concert-series/ or by calling 905-727-8991.

Victorian mourning traditions were a long and complicated affair. This was especially true for widows who had to follo...
10/09/2026

Victorian mourning traditions were a long and complicated affair. This was especially true for widows who had to follow strict rules about their activities and attire. A typical mourning period lasted about two years and moved through 4 stages: deep mourning, first mourning, second mourning, and lesser mourning. Each stage dictated specific colours, fabrics, and styles, gradually shifting from plain black attire to softer shades like grey, lavender, and white.

Have any books you just love but wish they had a more personal touch? If so, sign up for our book re-binding workshop an...
10/07/2026

Have any books you just love but wish they had a more personal touch? If so, sign up for our book re-binding workshop and help give new life to your favourite stories. All materials will be provided.
Tickets are $30 per person avalible now at http://aurorahs.com/events-programs.

Pictured here is a prosthetic leg known as the Hanger limb. Developed after the American Civil War by J.E. Hanger, it ...
10/05/2026

Pictured here is a prosthetic leg known as the Hanger limb. Developed after the American Civil War by J.E. Hanger, it was among the first to use rubber in the ankle and heel cushioning, marking an early shift toward comfort for amputees. For decades, prosthetics were made from wood, metal, leather, and glue, with joints powered by cables and gears. Modern prosthetics use lightweight, durable materials like plastic, aluminum, titanium, and silicone, creating limbs that move more naturally with the body.

This sewing or suture kit belonged to (Robert) Stuart Hillary, the eldest child of Dr. Robert Michael and Edith Hillar...
10/01/2026

This sewing or suture kit belonged to (Robert) Stuart Hillary, the eldest child of Dr. Robert Michael and Edith Hillary, and accompanied him overseas during the First World War. Stuart was killed in action in 1917, just before the Battle of Vimy Ridge, turning this everyday item into a powerful reminder of his service and sacrifice.

This is Punch, a Victorian satirical magazine most popular in the 1840s and 50s. Published weekly, the magazine was fi...
09/25/2026

This is Punch, a Victorian satirical magazine most popular in the 1840s and 50s. Published weekly, the magazine was filled with commentary on the everyday life of British Victorians and even helped coin the term "cartoon" through its comical drawings. Named after Mr. Punch of Punch and Judy, the puppet also served as the magazine’s mascot. Circulation of Punch peaked in the 1940s, and after a long decline, the publication finally closed in 1992.

Your support helps us create meaningful cultural experiences at Hillary House. Our sponsorship tiers offer recognition, ...
09/23/2026

Your support helps us create meaningful cultural experiences at Hillary House. Our sponsorship tiers offer recognition, visibility, and the chance to be part of a brand new event series launching this fall. From small businesses to community leaders, there’s a level for everyone. Explore sponsorship tiers here www.aurorahs.com/intimate-concert-series/

Address

15372 Yonge Street
Aurora, ON
L4G1N8

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19057278991

Website

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