Step into the restored parlor at the Tanner House

The Parlor at the Tanner House Museum in Aurora will shine over the holidays as it has not shone for many years, thanks to an anonymous donor.

A generous gift to the Aurora Historical Society has underwritten the restoration of the elaborate and colorful plaster ceiling, the glittering gold highlights of an 1881-era wallpaper, and a faithful reproduction of the original carpet chosen by William and Anna Tanner when they built the house in 1857. Research and reproduction to remove and replace worn-out or period-inappropriate aspects has taken several years.

The restored parlor will be on view for the first time during Tanner House Holidays, a series of free open houses beginning Dec. 11. Every room in the house will be decorated by a different designer. The parlor will have a music theme, decorated by Richard Abell, and visitors can enjoy occasional music provided by local musicians.

Other decorators are collector Nancy Garbe, art conservator Scott Sherwood, the Aurora Country Club, the German Club of West Aurora High School, volunteer Kathy Olson, decorator Claudia Randolph and docent Patty Baroni.

Open house hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays and 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, Dec. 11 through Dec. 30; closed on Christmas Day. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

For more information, see www.aurorahistory.net or aurorahistory on Facebook, or call the historical society at (630) 906-0650.