Aurora Fire Museum: Past, present, future
Brian Failing detailed the past, present and future of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.
The museum's executive director chronicled the 51-year-old museum's history and prospects Monday, Jan. 20, at the Aurora Noon Lions Club's biweekly luncheon meeting at Luigi's Pizza in Aurora.
According to Failing, exhibits at the museum, 53 N. Broadway, include a permanent display and a temporary exhibit.
"Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued," the permanent display, traces the evolution of tools and technology firefighters use. Five antique firefighting apparatus are featured, including an 1850s hand pumper.
The current exhibit, "Staying Safe: From Firehouse to Your House," explores fire and life safety topics.
Failing said the museum's collection includes eight antique fire apparatus, 2,000 artifacts depicting the history of firefighting and Aurora's department, 200 Aurora Fire Department log books, more than 1,500 photos and 40 scrapbooks.
The director announced that on March 20 the museum will open a traveling exhibit from the National Emergency Medical Service Museum. The theme will be announced.
"Our mission is to preserve and present the history of the AFD and firefighting in our region through exhibits, programs and events," Failing said.
Founded in 1968, the nonprofit museum is housed in the historic former Aurora central fire station built in 1894.
Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Guided tours for groups of 10 or more persons are available with advance scheduling. Parking is free, admission is $5. Children under 2 are free. Visit auroraregionalfiremuseum.org or www.facebook.com/AuroraRegionalFireMuseum/. Call the museum at (630) 256-4140 for more information.
Founded in 1922, the Aurora Noon Lions Club meets at noon on the first and third Mondays monthly at Luigi's Pizza, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora. Prospective new members are invited to attend and learn more about the Lions' community-service activities. The Aurora Noon club supports vision and hearing-impaired initiatives while aiding community agencies such as the Salvation Army, Mutual Ground domestic violence shelter and Aurora Area Interfaith Food pantry with monetary donations and volunteers.
Prospective members are invited to attend a luncheon meeting. For more information, call (630) 849-1401 or email rdm302@gmail.com.