Aurora History Museum | Aurora

The Aurora History Museum is the official museum of the City of Aurora, Colorado. Since its founding in 1979, the museum has served as a vibrant center for preserving and interpreting the rich history of Aurora, a city that has grown from a small frontier settlement into one of Colorado’s most populous and culturally diverse communities.

Mission and Overview

The Aurora History Museum is managed by the City of Aurora’s Library and Cultural Services Department. Its mission is to preserve, exhibit, and interpret Aurora’s history and cultural heritage through engaging displays, educational programs, and community involvement. Admission is free, making it an accessible resource for residents and tourists alike.

The museum operates out of a dedicated facility at 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, adjacent to the Aurora Municipal Center and the Aurora Central Library.

Permanent Exhibits

1. “Growing Home”

This core exhibit chronicles Aurora’s transformation from a small farming community into a bustling suburban city. It features:

Historical artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries

A replica of a historic home interior

Narratives of early settlers, homesteaders, and military personnel

Photographs and maps showing Aurora’s growth over time

It focuses on key themes such as the impact of agriculture, railroads, the military, and immigration on the city’s development.

2. Trolley Trailer No. 610

This fully restored 1913 trolley trailer is housed in a climate-controlled glass enclosure and is a visitor favorite. Originally used by the Denver Tramway Company, this car was part of the streetcar system that served Aurora and the Denver area in the early 1900s.

Inside the trolley, you’ll find:

Period-accurate seating and fixtures

Interpretive panels about public transportation history

Details about the restoration process completed in 2013

The trolley has become a symbol of the museum and of Aurora’s transportation past.

Temporary & Rotating Exhibits

The museum regularly curates rotating exhibitions to reflect contemporary topics, diverse cultural narratives, and historic anniversaries. These exhibits change throughout the year and often highlight underrepresented communities and stories.

Prehistoric Aurora (2025–2026)

Explores Aurora’s deep geological and fossil history

Features fossil specimens, replicas, and dioramas of local flora and fauna from millions of years ago

Developed in collaboration with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and other institutions

Confluence of Festivals: Temple Town to the World (2025)

Celebrates the Nepali community and its traditional festivals

Includes photo essays, cultural artifacts, and multimedia storytelling

Part of the ongoing “Mosaic of Cultures” series that celebrates Aurora’s international populations

Hidden in Plain Sight (2024–2025)

Highlights Aurora’s Historic Preservation Program

Features landmarked sites and neighborhoods

Encourages visitors to think about urban development and conservation

Educational Programs

The museum hosts a wide array of educational initiatives for all ages:

Morning at the Museum

Weekly storytime and hands-on craft activities for preschoolers

Held Wednesdays from 10:30–11:15 a.m.

Encourages early childhood engagement with history and culture

School and Group Tours

Customized programs for schools, scouts, and homeschool groups

Includes guided tours, interactive learning stations, and take-home materials

Prehistoric Aurora Summer Camp (Ages 8–16)

A week-long camp exploring paleontology, geology, and Aurora’s prehistoric environment

Hands-on labs, field exploration, and fossil analysis

Lecture Series and Community Presentations

Topics range from military history and Native American heritage to urban development and immigrant stories

Speakers include local historians, archaeologists, veterans, and cultural leaders

History Hikes

Outdoor, guided walking tours through historically significant parts of Aurora

Locations have included the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, DeLaney Farm, and Original Aurora

Museum Services and Resources

Collections & Archives: The museum preserves a growing collection of artifacts, photographs, textiles, and documents. Researchers and students can request access to specific materials by appointment.

Volunteer and Internship Programs: Opportunities for community members to contribute through front-desk service, collections care, and program facilitation.

Gift Shop: Offers books on Colorado history, Aurora-themed merchandise, and educational toys.

Visiting Information

Address: 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

Admission: Free

Hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed Mondays and major holidays

Phone: (303) 739-6660

Parking: Free parking available on-site

Community and Cultural Role

The Aurora History Museum is not just a repository of the past; it’s a living institution that actively engages with Aurora’s diverse communities. With over 160 languages spoken in Aurora schools and a large refugee and immigrant population, the museum plays a critical role in promoting cultural understanding, documenting new histories, and fostering civic pride.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a new arrival, or just passing through, the Aurora History Museum offers a deep and engaging look at the events, people, and forces that have shaped this dynamic Colorado city.