As a National Historic Site, Hillary House is comfortably nestled on two park-like acres, in the heart of Aurora. This Manor was built in the Gothic Revival Style in 1862 and was purchased by the Aurora Historical Society in 1981. Hillary House was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1973 and is the proud home of the Koffler Museum of Medicine. The site is also unique in regard to its past function as a doctor’s home and practice, from which Aurora’s first health care professionals treated local residents for about 100 years.
Chronology of Residents
1862-69: Dr. Walter Geikie lived in the house with his wife Miriam and their four children.
1869-76: Dr. Frederick William Strange purchased the house and lived there with his wife, Esther Rose, and their daughter.
1876-1894: Dr. Robert William Hillary purchased the house and lived there with his wife Annie and their seven children.
1894-1992: Dr. Robert Michael Hillary becomes the owner after the death of his father. He married Edith Mussen and they raised nine children there. Nora Hillary (their daughter) was the last resident of the house until she moved into a nursing home in 1992.
Since 1963, the Aurora Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Aurora’s local heritage. The AHS continues to engage the community by offering innovative programming, hosting unique events, and making the town’s history accessible through a wide range of exhibitions.
Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 10am to 4pm.
Please call ahead to book a tour
