A CALL FOR SERVICE IN AURORA

Historical society is always looking for volunteers
to help preserve and share the colony's history

The Aurora Colony Historical Society's volunteers, like Chuck Ingram (above), who worked at the Stauffer-Will Farm last summer, help keep Aurora's history alive.

The society reports it is always looking for more willing volunteers. For details call 503-678-5754.

Photo by Bryan Nanista

Time and again, the few paid employees of the Aurora Colony Historical Society have praised the volunteers who lend time, labor and knowledge to help preserve and share the history of Aurora.

It is the loyal volunteers who help set up exhibits, such as the "Colony Music and New Acquisitions," which is on display now at the Old Aurora Colony Museum in downtown.

They staff the museum desk, give tours, work at the Stauffer-Will Farm, and clean and maintain the ACHS's buildings. They also work at special events, do research, and catalog artifacts in the museum's collection.

It may be selfless work, but Elizabeth Corley, the volunteer coordinator for the ACHS, said the historical society and museum would not be all they are without the volunteers. Still, Corley said the ACHS is always on the lookout for new volunteers to add to its lineup.

"We try to get new ones all the time," she said. "There are so many volunteer opportunities for people, especially for anyone with any interest at all in history."

Among the volunteer opportunities available with the ACHS are: museum desk reception, which includes greeting visitors, collecting admissions, giving a museum overview, and answering questions; museum tour guide, which entails leading groups or individuals on guided tours of the museum complex; living history interpreters, who work with fourth graders at the Stauffer-Will Farm south of Aurora; and working at special events such as the "Strawberry Social" in the summer and the quilt show in the fall.

Other options for volunteers include cleaning and maintenance, researching for new exhibits, and recording information about new acquisitions and existing museum collections.

Upcoming events for the museum, where volunteers will be needed, include the following:

The Spinning Wheel Showcase, March 8-9; the Annual Auction and Dinner, May 10; the Strawberry Social, June 29; the Colony Life Exhibit, July 15 through Dec. 31; the Children's Quilt Camp, July 22-25; Aurora Colony Days, Aug. 9-10; the 31st Annual Quilt Show, Oct. 8-12; the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Social, Dec. 3; and the Christmas Candlelight Tour, Dec. 6.

For more information about volunteering for the Aurora Colony Historical Society, call 503-678-5754, or send an email to: elizabeth@auroracolonymuseum.com.