Welcome
Visit Us
Admission
$8 Ages 18-64
$6 Ages 6-17 & 65+
Free 5 and Under
Hours
Mon - Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sun: 12 PM - 5PM
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25, & January 1
Guided Tours
$10.00 per person
Advance reservations (min. 14 days) required
Why did a community of nearly 600 people cross the Oregon Trail to build a Utopian society in the Pacific Northwest? Learn about the Aurora Colonists, their leader, and their vision — and more than a quarter century of success as Oregon’s first communal society. Visit the Old Aurora Colony Museum, at the heart of Oregon’s first National Historic District and antiques capital.
The Old Aurora Colony Museum offers changing exhibits exploring the history and legacy of the Aurora Colony. Self-guided tours offer peeks into historic Colony buildings including: the Colony's communal Ox Barn (1862); Steinbach Cabin (1876); Kraus House (1874) (home of Emma Wagner Giesy; Wash House (1877); and replica Tie Shed.
Upcoming Events!
Calling for Quilts!!
We are hosting our 53rd quilt show with a black and white theme. We would love YOUR quilt to be a part of it! From bold modern designs to timeless classics, every quilt tells a story worth showing and sharing. Our quilt show is open to all quilters- any size, style or technique. Quilts are displayed, then voted on by our visitors. One quilt will win our Best in Theme Award and one quilt will win People’s Choice Award. Each winner receives a basket of quilting goodies! Here is a link to the entry form:
53rd Annual Quilt Show at the Aurora Colony Museum
Friday, October 9th — Sunday, October 19th
Come share with us your love of quilting as we put the “ritz” around the museum in the form of elegant black and white quilts!
Open daily during the show from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Aurora After Hours: Grave Affairs
THursday, September 25th
From funeral coaches to appropriate colors to wear, memorial art and keepsake mementos -- American mourning changed drastically over the course of the 19th century. Some practices are still… Click to Learn more and RSVP.
Doors open at 5:30pm, presentation at 6:30pm. Snacks and beverages available for purchase. Suggested donation $10, members free.
Beyond the Exhibit: Dangerous & Deadly Fashion
New Content Just Added! Our exhibit continues at home and beyond with extra content. Listen to the Dangerous & Deadly Fashion podcast episode and check out videos on the deadliest paint and corset myths. Continue your exploration and visit our colleagues at the Benton County Museum with their exhibit Put a Bird On It! Finley, Feathers, & Fashion. Content will be added throughout the exhibit’s run (on display now through December 31, 2025).
Aurora Colony Museum Newsletter
Aurora Colony Historical Society Newsletter
In this issue:
(Click on the link to jump to a section and open a new window.)
Special Focus on Aurora’s Sister City, Bleicherode:
Sister Cities: Aurora & Bleicherode, What’s in a Name?, Honoring Aurora’s Founder in His Hometown, A Gift of Friendship in Fabric: Honoring a Quilting Legacy, Bleicherode Delegation Visiting Aurora, Save the Date: special opportunity for members and descendants, Researching Your German Roots, Join us in sprucing up the Colony!,
Coming Events: Emma Day returns June 11th featuring Jane Kirkpatrick’s new book. Join Aurora After Hours in the courtyard for special historic presentations. Experience Farm Days at the Stauffer-Will Farm with hands-on activities for all ages.
Help us Reconnect!: Please update your contact information and share your thoughts on what you would like to see in future newsletters.
Join a Volunteer Team!
We have a variety of volunteer positions available for all interests! Step back in time as a Stauffer-Will Farm Volunteer, create new exhibits, help renovate a 50 year old treasure, meet and greet guests at the Old Aurora Colony Museum, be a member of our events team and more. Contact Siobhan Nickerson at 503-678-5754 or info@auroracolony.org to learn more!
Current Events
Join us in Preserving History!
Mission: The Aurora Colony Museum brings the past to life through the history, crafts, and culture of the Aurora Colony and its role in Oregon’s early immigration story.
