Aurora

Hillary House – home of the Koffler Museum of Medicine and the Aurora Historical Society – is a treasured piece of Aurora’s history. It is recognized as one of Canada's best examples of Gothic revival architecture. The museum contains a significant collection of medical instruments, books, papers and furnishings. The Aurora Historical Society, founded in 1963, purchased the house in 1981. Hillary House was declared a National Historic Site in 1975. While Hillary House is now open again, with COVID-related visitor guidelines in place, you can explore many things about the property and its collections digitally (see the video below as a sample). In addition, there are several video recollections as part of the Let’s Talk: Oral History Aurora Project.

Aurora’s public library service began in 1855 with the formation of the Aurora Association for the Diffusion of Helpful Knowledge, later called the Aurora Mechanics’ Institute and Library Association. From these early organizations emerged the Aurora Public Library, now a busy, architecturally modern community hub in the heart of Aurora. While this facility remains closed to the public, there are many Digital Doors Open opportunities available – from virtual science labs (see a sample video here), summer camps, cooking classes, speakers’ series and live-streaming storytelling to a digital bookshelf where you can read, watch listen and learn. Genealogy enthusiasts can also take advantage of the free access to the Library Edition of Ancestry.com. And there’s so much more!

The world’s only Star Trek-themed orthodontic office is filled with props from all of the Star Trek television series and motion pictures. The office has gathered worldwide attention – featured on CTV and Space, and in magazines and blogs. During Digital Doors Open, you will encounter Borg drones, concept artwork, medical devices, alien weaponry and technology, and even Tribbles. Explore this unique facility through their online slideshow or the video below. Live long and prosper!