Old Aurora Colony Museum

When my sisters visited the Museum of the Oregon Territory, in talking with their guide he told them that the Old Aurora Colony Museum was great, and had a really cool story. This summer we checked it out.

One thing that was helpful is that there are a lot of artifacts. The start of the colony goes back about 150 years but it lasted into the early 20th century, so you don't have to go back very far.

There are still original buildings, though some have been rebuilt.

The "Emma Walk" - a self-guided tour in the footsteps of Emma Giesy - can show you more of the history by going around the town. Staying on the museum grounds still shows you a lot, with a garden and outbuildings.

Inside there are displays showing you how their homes would have looked.

You can also see more about how they would have gotten around and worked.

There were also displays with historical information, and an educational film.

Really, the best thing was the docent there. It didn't matter what question we asked, she knew. Tourism is often a labor of love for those involved, which we have seen many times. She was thrilled to play the music boxes for us (recommended), and was extremely helpful.

We had to agree that it was pretty cool.

http://www.auroracolony.org/