Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites

Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites Engaging our community to interpret and foster pride in Aurora's story. An historic research library and archive is open by appointment.
(1)

The only public museum in Aurora, Colorado, the Aurora History Museum is a community-based cultural center featuring changing history, natural history, culture, fine and decorative arts exhibits. Programs, tours, workshops, teas, lectures, and family events are offered for all ages throughout the year. The Museum features a permanent exhibit on the history of Aurora, two changing exhibit galleries, and a hands-on activity room for children. Social Media Policy: https://bit.ly/3KtUpgH

We had such a great time at “The Divine 9 and Black Greek Life in Aurora” last week!It was a meaningful evening learning...
09/02/2026

We had such a great time at “The Divine 9 and Black Greek Life in Aurora” last week!

It was a meaningful evening learning about the history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Omega Omega Chapter, and hearing about the incredible impact Black Greek organizations have had, and continue to have, on the Aurora community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this community event so special. Here are a few photos from the evening!

[Image Description: Panel of presenters and seated audience for program]

Aurora's Historic Growth. Post 18/25Aurora grew from a small town centered on Colfax Avenue into a large multi-cultural ...
09/01/2026

Aurora's Historic Growth. Post 18/25

Aurora grew from a small town centered on Colfax Avenue into a large multi-cultural city that continues to spread south and eastward. After the closure of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in 1999, the city reinvented itself as a hotbed for medical and scientific development. New hospitals and technology companies relocated to Aurora, bringing new residents desiring new homes and subdivisions.

For much of its history, the public viewed Aurora as a bedroom community and a suburb of Denver. But with the ever-growing prominence of key economic assets like the Anschutz Medical Campus, Buckley Space Force Base and related aerospace industries and recent additions such as Stanley marketplace, the Amazon fulfillment center, and the Ga***rd Rockies Resort and Conference Center, the city continues to be attractive to businesses and investment.

New investments such as the Stanley Marketplace, have been key economic drivers in a growing Aurora. Stanley Marketplace was previously Stanley Aviation, a production facility for ejection seats and capsules. Today, the building functions as a community-focused marketplace featuring 50+ independently owned Colorado businesses under one roof.

{Image Description: Historic post card for Building 500 at Fitzsimons. Image of Ga***rd Rockies]

Did you know the first American flying ace was a cowboy from Sterling, Colorado?Join us on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m....
09/01/2026

Did you know the first American flying ace was a cowboy from Sterling, Colorado?

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. for "Colorful Coloradans in Aerospace History" with Chuck Stout, executive director of the Colorado Aerospace History Project.

From aviation pioneers to Colorado’s contributions to aerospace innovation, this hour-long presentation will take you through some fascinating stories from our state’s history. Whether you’re an aviation nerd or just curious about the incredible people and stories connected to Colorado, there’s something for everyone.

Stick around after the presentation to explore the Aurora History Museum!

This program is included with museum admission: $5 for adults, $1 for kids and free for members.

Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/2r9ntkb6

[Image Description: Historic photos of airplanes]

Have you visited Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Filipino Community yet?This exhibition celebrates the history, traditions ...
08/31/2026

Have you visited Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Filipino Community yet?

This exhibition celebrates the history, traditions and experiences of Aurora's Filipino community through stories, photographs, cultural objects and community voices. Created in collaboration with local Filipino residents, the exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the many communities that make Aurora such a vibrant place to call home.

Whether you're interested in local history, exploring different cultures or simply looking for something new to do, this exhibition is well worth a visit.

📍 Aurora History Museum
15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Open through April 2027. Admission is just $5 for adults and $1 for youth ages 3–17. We hope to see you soon!

[Image Description: People standing in front of a sign for the Mosaic of Cultures exhibit, people inside the exhibit]

Meet Katie, one of our summer interns in historic preservation. She is a 2026 University of Denver graduate with a BA in...
08/30/2026

Meet Katie, one of our summer interns in historic preservation. She is a 2026 University of Denver graduate with a BA in History and a minor in Anthropology. Her passion for oral history and amplifying underrepresented voices has led her to an exciting project exploring Aurora’s Koreatown community.

As part of her internship, Katie conducted historical research and oral history interviews with Korean and Korean American business owners to explore cultural identity, community connections and how these stories have shaped Aurora’s history.

One of the people Katie interviewed is Sean Choi, owner of 3456Tea on Havana Street and one of the first Koreatown Aurora business owners. After moving to the U.S. alone at just 12 years old and spending much of his 20s working in the corporate world, Sean felt drawn to something more meaningful: sharing and celebrating Korean culture. In 2022, he opened 3456Tea with the goal of creating a cultural hub and welcoming community space for everyone in Aurora. Sean also recently became chair of the Koreatown Aurora board, continuing his commitment to building community and celebrating Aurora’s Korean heritage.

Katie’s research also uncovered a 1989 Rocky Mountain News article, "Koreans laud life in Aurora,” which explored the growth of Aurora’s Korean community. More than 35 years later, its themes of preserving the past while building toward the future still resonate with the stories Katie is documenting today.

We’re grateful to Katie for helping ensure these community stories become part of Aurora’s historical record! 📚

[Image Description: Photo of Katie, photo of Sean Choi, news article titled "Koreans laud life in Aurora"]

A year of history, growth and connection!The Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites is proud to be part of the City of...
08/29/2026

A year of history, growth and connection!

The Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites is proud to be part of the City of Aurora’s Library and Cultural Services Department, alongside Aurora Public Library, the Aurora Fox Arts Center, Aurora Dance Arts, public art, ceramics and more.

The department recently released its 2025 Annual Report, and we’re especially proud of what the museum accomplished last year:

🏛️ 12,484 museum visitors explored Aurora’s history
📈 Program participation increased by 41% from 2024 to 2025
📍 5 cultural heritage sites were recognized
🦖 Thousands of visitors traveled millions of years into the past with Prehistoric Aurora
🔍 We expanded preservation efforts, internships, accessibility resources and community partnerships to help make Aurora’s history more accessible to everyone.

History is more than what happened in the past. It’s the story of who we are, where we’ve been and the people who continue to shape our community.

We’re proud of everything we accomplished in 2025 and are excited to keep preserving and sharing Aurora’s stories together. Were you one of the thousands of people who visited the museum in 2025? Let us know what brought you through our doors!

Read the full 2025 Library and Cultural Services Annual Report: https://tinyurl.com/5n64fc2x

[Image description: infographic listing Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites impact through visitation numbers. Now virtual access to the museum through the Bloomberg Connects App]

For the next few weeks, Mornings at the Museum is taking preschoolers on a journey through Filipino culture!Join us star...
08/28/2026

For the next few weeks, Mornings at the Museum is taking preschoolers on a journey through Filipino culture!

Join us starting September 2 for a morning inspired by Filipino music. We’ll make kolitongs, enjoy story time and see the exhibit "Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Filipino Community."

In the following weeks, we’ll dive into Filipino art and food!

For just $1 per participating child, bring your preschooler to the museum on Wednesday mornings. Admission is free for their accompanying adult, and the program is free for Aurora History Museum members. No registration necessary!

After the 45-minute program, explore the rest of the museum and remember to say hi to our trolley car before heading out!

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Aurora History Museum
15051 E. Alameda Parkway
$1 per participating child

[Image description: photos from Filipino community exhibit, children's books about the Philippines and pancit, Mornings at the Museum Flyer. Ages 3 to 6]

What does it mean to find your place between cultures, histories and identities?Join us for an evening with Filipina Ame...
08/26/2026

What does it mean to find your place between cultures, histories and identities?

Join us for an evening with Filipina American author Sheilah Jane as she discusses her memoir, "Shadows and Sunrises." Her work explores resilience, identity and belonging, weaving her personal journey together with reflections on cultural history. The evening will also feature a performance by FACC Padayon.

Friday, September 4
6 to 8 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults and free for Aurora History Museum members. Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/mvjkmk8c

[Image Description: Book cover Shadows and Sunrises. A true story of shame, strength and rebirth across continents]

Aurora's Historic Growth. Post 17/25Today, Aurora is home to multiple public and private school districts, as well as se...
08/25/2026

Aurora's Historic Growth. Post 17/25

Today, Aurora is home to multiple public and private school districts, as well as several higher education facilities. The majority of Aurora is served by Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District, while small portions of the city fall within the Brighton, Bennett and Douglas County school districts. Aurora is also well-served by a variety of higher education institutions. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Pima Medical Institute and Concorde Career College offer a spectrum of medical education and health care training programs. The Community College of Aurora offers a diversity of degree programs at two campuses and online. Pickens Technical College provides classes in variety of fields, including engineering and technology, health, transportation, business technologies and human services. As the city expands, its education infrastructure has expanded concurrently with the city’s needs.

Originally proposed by Aurora citizens in the 1950s, The Community College of Aurora was founded in May 1983. The college serves over 10,000 students annually at their CentreTech Campus in Aurora and their Lowry Campus in Denver.

[Image Description: Community College of Aurora exterior]

There’s only so much we could fit into our exhibit about the history of the Philippines and Filipino culture.Yes, you ca...
08/24/2026

There’s only so much we could fit into our exhibit about the history of the Philippines and Filipino culture.

Yes, you can sing karaoke in the gallery, pick up recipe cards and explore stories throughout the exhibit, but there is still so much more to discover. That’s why we’re introducing Filipino Friday Nights!

On select Friday evenings while "Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Filipino Community" is on display, join us for programs celebrating Filipino history, culture, music and traditions.

Upcoming Filipino Friday Nights:

“Shadows and Sunrises” Author Talk with Sheilah Jane
Friday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m.

The History of Filipino Music with Sonny Masicampo and Friends
Friday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m.

Dragon Boat Experience
Friday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.

Lyn Buti Lambago, T’boli Tradition Bearer
Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m.

More Filipino Friday Nights are coming while the exhibit is on display through April 2027! Learn more and get tickets at https://www.auroragov.org/things_to_do/aurora_history_museum/events___programs/filipino_friday_nights.

[Image Description: Filipino Friday Nights flyer. See website for schedule and event details. Photos of Filipino cultural events at the Aurora History Museum]

Address

15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO
80012

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+13037396660

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites:

Shortcuts

Share

Category