Aurora Holiday Open House

213 5th Street,Aurora IN 47001

08 December, 2022

Description

Join us for refreshments and seasonal cheer at our Holiday Open House in Aurora, one of five festive open houses we’re offering for Indiana Landmarks members around the state. Sited on a bluff above downtown Aurora overlooking the Ohio River, Hillforest was built in 1855 for prominent distiller and industrialist Thomas Gaff. Designed by architect Isaiah Rogers to resemble a river steamboat, Hillforest’s architectural style is known as Steamboat Gothic. It was an appropriate choice for Gaff, who along with his brothers owned a fleet of steamboats to transport wares up and down the river. Named a National Historic Landmark, Hillforest today serves as a Victorian house museum and small event venue. Explore the house to learn more about its history and unique architecture while you enjoy music and refreshments, including beer from Aurora’s Great Crescent Brewery. Extend your evening by visiting local shops and restaurants in downtown Aurora following the open house. The event is free for members of Indiana Landmarks with advance reservations. Feel like traveling? Indiana Landmarks’ Aurora Holiday Open House is one of five—go to one or all: December 1 at the Stutz Building in Indianapolis; December 2 at Cottrell Village in Attica; December 13 at the Reid Center in Richmond; and December 15 at the historic home of Mary Ellen O’Connell and Pete Bauer in South Bend. Learn more about other holiday open houses around the state here. Special thanks to host Hillforest.