The Antique Appraisal Fair, Consignment Shop and Café was one of the most exciting and successful undertakings of the Aurora Historical Society.  Under the talented leadership of Kathlyn Brown, Diane Oberle and Ruth Studer the event far surpassed the financial goals that were established.  More importantly the contribution of time, talent and energy of our membership was a true testament to our mission.

Not only did we seek enhance and maintain the community identity of Aurora by preserving and communicating its rich history, we also made history.  Even though exhausted and stressed from the months of planning the trio of young ladies mentioned above have indicated that from what they learned from this initial event, next year’s event could even be better.  Without giving them a chance to reconsider the Board of Trustees overwhelmingly gave them the nod of approval to begin working on the 2013 Antiques Appraisal Fair, Consignment Shop and Café.

In addition, without taking time to rest on its laurels, the Aurora Historical Society has already been working at tackling its next spectacular event, Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War.  Preliminary events already have taken place and others have been scheduled leading up to the grand opening of the exhibit on February 23, 2013.  Honored guest at the gala opening will be President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd, President James A. Garfield and his wife Lubretia, and Civil War hero and President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant.  During the exhibit on Sarturday March 16th Dr. Daniel Kilbride, Associate Professor and Chair, History Dept, John Carroll University will speak on “Lincoln & Civil Rights during the Civil War.”  The evening program will also include Dr. Diane Barnes, Associate Professor of History, Youngstown State University who will speak about “Abolitionist & Lincoln.” Then on Saturday, March 30th Dr. Peter D’Onofrio, President, Society of Civil War Surgeons will give a presentation on “Medical Advancements in the Civil War.”