Join us on November First Fridays from 5-8pm as we celebrate 1 year of Safety at Play: A Firefighter’s Adventure. We will have extra playful learning activities throughout the museum!
FREE ADMISSION
Get ready for an exciting in-person event: the premiere of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum episode of Our Hometown History. This event will be held at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum in Downtown Aurora, IL.
Register for the FREE event here: https://bit.ly/OHHarfm
Dive into the rich stories of our local fire department's past along with a deep dive into the hisotry of firefighting. It's the perfect chance to connect with your community and reconnect with your community's history, up close and personal. Bring your friends and family for a fun and nostalgic presentation and discussion of the importance of our local history to the development of our culture and identity of Aurora. Light refreshments will be served. Sign up today to celebrate Our Hometown History!
6pm: Meet and Greet
6:30pm: Screening of Aurora Regional Fire Museum Premiere of Our Hometown History
6:50pm: Discussion and Q&A
7:30pm: Conclusion
Address:
53 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
For more information about Our Hometown History, visit OurHometownHistory.com, and follow us @OurHometownHistory on your favorite social channels.
Our 10th Annual Sound the Alarm Fundraiser will be held at Two Brother’s Roundhouse in Aurora, IL. Join us for raffles, a chili cook off and to help support the Aurora Regional Fire Museum!
The museum will be closed on Thursday November 26 and Friday November 27. We will resume normal hours on Saturday November 28.
Check back for more information closer to the event!
Open special hours for the Christkirndle Market, check back for more information!
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobroSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Open special hours for the Christkirndle Market, check back for more information!
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobroSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobroSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobroSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Check back for info
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobroSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobroSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Check back for info
Check back for more info
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Some say that the firefighters are still waiting, standing in silence, listening for an alarm bell that has yet to ring. Built in 1894, Aurora’s Old Central Fire Station— now a museum— boasts a long and storied history. But it’s not just the antique apparatus and historic artifacts that draw attention. The building is rumored to be home to several lingering spirits: two giggling young girls, a curious boy, a cantankerous older man, who prefers peace and quiet, and a vintage-era fireman who seems content to watch visitors admire the engines.
As you arrive, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and curated sips, setting the tone for the evening ahead.Your evening will include a guided paranormal tour led by local historian Tracy Duran, blending captivating history with tales of unexplained encounters.
Afterward, take a self-guided stroll through the museum with a provided EMF meter—you never know who (or what) might choose to reveal themselves. Other personal paranormal investigation tools are welcome as well. The Museum is not liable for any damaged or lost personal items brought to use at this event.
Recommended for ages 16+
Tickets can be purchased through Donorbox here: https://bit.ly/Whispers_OldCentral
$30 for members
$40 for non members
Some say that the firefighters are still waiting, standing in silence, listening for an alarm bell that has yet to ring. Built in 1894, Aurora’s Old Central Fire Station— now a museum— boasts a long and storied history. But it’s not just the antique apparatus and historic artifacts that draw attention. The building is rumored to be home to several lingering spirits: two giggling young girls, a curious boy, a cantankerous older man, who prefers peace and quiet, and a vintage-era fireman who seems content to watch visitors admire the engines.
As you arrive, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and curated sips, setting the tone for the evening ahead.Your evening will include a guided paranormal tour led by local historian Tracy Duran, blending captivating history with tales of unexplained encounters.
Afterward, take a self-guided stroll through the museum with a provided EMF meter—you never know who (or what) might choose to reveal themselves. Other personal paranormal investigation tools are welcome as well. The Museum is not liable for any damaged or lost personal items brought to use at this event.
Recommended for ages 16+
Tickets can be purchased through Donorbox here: https://bit.ly/Whispers_OldCentral
$30 for members
$40 for non members
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, our annual Community Hero Day will take place on the grounds of the Fire Museum from 10am-2pm. This event continues to be a success due to overwhelming support from our partners and the citizens of Aurora and surrounding communities. Families will have an opportunity to once again participate in our touch-a-truck with vehicles spanning from police and fire to community services.
This event allows citizens of our region to get up close and personal with vehicles that serve our community on a daily basis. Additionally, the event will feature safety education from numerous safety providers in our community.
For the Finale, we will feature a live burn demonstration in partnership with the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board and the Aurora Fire Department, showcasing how quickly fires can spread as well as the importance of fire sprinklers in saving lives and property.
Who is Your Community Hero?
Celebrate the heroes in your life and create a cape icon to add to our Community Hero Wall!
Get information about Community Hero Day on Saturday Oct. 3rd!
Free Admission to the Museum
Celebrate Fire Safety Month with a special Family Storytime at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum! Enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and more in this all-ages family storytime. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Storytime will take place inside Aurora’s historic old Central Fire Station, now home to two floors of exhibits exploring the history of the Aurora Fire Department, regional fire service, and fire safety and prevention.
Attendees are welcome to enjoy the museum free of charge after the event.
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¡Celebra el Mes de la seguridad contra incendios con una Hora de cuento familiar especial en el museo regional de bomberos de Aurora! Disfruta de cuentos, rimas, música y más en esta hora del cuento para toda la familia. Para niños de todas las edades y sus cuidadores.
La hora del cuento se llevará a cabo dentro de la histórica antigua Estación Central de Bomberos de Aurora, que ahora alberga dos pisos de exhibiciones sobre la historia del Departamento de Bomberos de Aurora, el servicio de bomberos de la región y la seguridad y prevención de incendios.
Después del evento, los asistentes podrán disfrutar del museo de forma gratuita.
Visit APL event page for more information: https://www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/17197048
Help us celebrate Day of Play!
Play firefighting themed games through out the museum including jumbo Guess Who?, Hoses and Ladders and MORE!
$5 Family Admission
Join us for a career fair at Waubonsee Community College at 18 S. River Street, Aurora IL to talk with local employers in the various fields as well as a Career Panel with first responders at 11am.
Register at bit.ly/ARFM_HPFCF
Questions? Contact Judy Dawson at (630) 990-6844 or jdawson@williamhallcenter.org
-Information from Local Employers
-Aurora
-Bartlett
-Elburn and Countryside
-Aurora PD
-Kane County Sheriff’s Office
-Metra Police
-Cook County Sheriff’s Office
-Elburn PD
-Waubonsee Community College Admission along with information about Fire Science, Healthcare and Criminal Justice/ Cadet programs
Join us for our annual Bourbon Raffle!
Winners will be drawn during a happy hour event at Tavern on Broadway in Downtown Aurora on Tuesday, September 15 from 6-8pm
Thirteen Chances to Win!
Igloo Cooler plus 13 bottles of bourbon
Elijah Craig 15 Year Single Barrel Bourbon & Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel & Henry McKenna Bottled-In-Bond 10 Year
Weller Antique 107 & Weller 12 Year
Little Book Chapter 9, 2025 & Baker’s 7 Bourbon
Blanton's Original Single Barrel & Caribou Crossing
A Midwinter’s Night Dram Act 13, Scene 4 & Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond
Booker’s Uncut & Unfiltered 03-2025 & Booker’s Uncut & Unfiltered 04-2025
Weller Full Proof & Weller Special Reserve
Booker’s Uncut & Unfiltered 03-2025 & Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon
1792 Sweat Wheat & 1792 Full Proof
Knob Creek 12 Year & Knob Creek Blender’s Edition
1792 Single Barrel & 1792 Bottled-in-Bond
Join us for September First Fridays and learn about safe sleep habits like Close before You Doze and craft a reminder door hanger to help you practice fire safety!
Free Admission to Museum during 5-8pm as well.
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is excited to partner with the Aurora Downtown District to host the August Kids Krew event!
Join us for a free event on August 19th from 3-5pm with the first 20 guests receiving a special goody bag!
Enjoy free admission, meet the Kane County Sheriff Office’s therapy dog Casper, make a craft and help solve our mission!
This is a free event but registration is highly recommended: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-kids-krew-the-pawsome-rescue-adventure-tickets-1993888814117?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
There will also be a photo opportunity with two very special guests!
We hope to see you there!
Join us for August First Fridays for free admission and activities from 5-8pm!
Join us from 10-4pm for free admission and test out your skills with our obstacle course!
Kids will have the chance to go through firefighter skill stations including crawling through “smoke”, building entry and a rescue drag among others!
After completing the course, our newest firefighters will get a certificate to make it official!
Join us at the Fire Museum for our firefighter obstacle course, a build your own first aid kit station and visit with DobroSKILLS to test out their CPR mannequins!
Stop by our table at the Aurora Farmer’s Market Sprout’s Club to help us celebrate community heroes! Decorate a superhero mask and be sure to stop by the vehicles in the Touch a Truck section of the market!
Show your support with a sub!
On July 1st from 10am-8pm stop by the 405 N Eola Rd - Aurora, IL Firehouse Subs and show the flyer below for 15% of your sale to be donated the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and the Aurora Retired Firefighters!
Museum staff will be the restaurant from 5-7pm with giveaways and activities!
ONLY AVAILABLE AT ABOVE LOCATION
Join us to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the Aurora Fire Department! Enjoy free admission, explore our new exhibit and visit our activity stations!
Join us for an exclusive tasting in Downtown Aurora of Pappy Van Winkle on Saturday, June 27 at 4pm in support of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum’s mission of teaching fire history & fire safety.
Your Ticket Includes:
~ 1 ounce pour of each: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B, Pap Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year
~ Fire Museum Glencairn glass
~ Light snacks
~ Brief history and comments about Aurora fire department history, the museum, and the bourbons from Executive Director Brian Failing
Tasting will take place at Tavern on Broadway, 24 N Broadway, in Downtown Aurora.
This opportunity is limited to 20 attendees
Purchase tickets here: bit.ly/ARFM_Pappy
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobrokSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobrokSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobrokSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobrokSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Thanks to the generous support of the Dunham Foundation Practical Fire & Life Safety Skills and Pathways in Museums, a hands-on program designed to help students build real-world emergency preparedness skills while exploring careers in museums and community service, is FREE to local high school students. Students that attend school in Aurora 129 and 131, Naperville 203 and 204, Oswego 308, Batavia 101, Kaneland 302, and corresponding private schools.
The staff of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum lead this program in partnership with DobroSKILLS. DobrokSKILLS is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider.
Join us for June First Fridays from 5-8pm with free admission and and FREE Hands Only CPR Training with DobroSKILLS!
Register to participate in the CPR training here: https://www.dobroskills.net/arfm/firstfriday
For more information about DobroSKILLS visit their website: https://www.dobroskills.net/
Join us for our June Free Day!
From 10am-4pm enjoy free admission to the museum and fun activities from community partners!
Grab a ticket for your chance to win a package of meats from Family Farm Meats in Hinckley, grills, and many other amazing prizes! Winners will be drawn at 7pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Tavern on Broadway. Proceeds from the raffle support the mission and programs of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.
Full list of prizes and the link to purchase tickets can be found on the Meat Raffle Event Page
Join us for May First Fridays at the Fire Museum! Help us celebrate May Day with a fire themed May Pole craft and activity! We will also have free admission from 5pm-8pm. Stop by the check out the museum and get crafty!
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum will be closed for our winter break from Dec 24th to January 1st. We will return to normal operating hours January 2nd.
We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing our visitors in the new year!
Take a picture, share your wish list- Stop by the fire museum from 1-3pm to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Fire Museum.
Santa at the Fire Museum brought to you by the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance
Stop by the Fire Museum Sunday December 7th and 14th for free admission and fun! From 11-3pm we will have free admission, a gift wrapping station (perfect if your stopping by after the Christkindl Market!) and a winter craft!
Free day made possible by City of Aurora Youth Services.
Take a picture, share your wish list- Stop by the fire museum from 1-3pm to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Fire Museum.
Santa at the Fire Museum brought to you by the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance
Hours:
Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday: 10am-4pm
Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
