AURORA MUSEUM FOUNDATION
The story of Aurora, Colorado
June 2007 Newsletter
June 2007 Newsletter of the Aurora Museum Foundation
9-11 EXHIBIT DEBUTS AT HISTORY MUSEUM
When the exhibit September 11, 2001: The First 24 Hours opens at the Aurora History Museum on Tuesday, July 3 it will be the first public showing of a "document" the New York State Museum has created to recall a significant day in the nation's history. The exhibit brings together artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center site following its destruction by terrorists.Included in the 
display will be items recovered from the World Trade Center including keys, signs and souvenirs as well as equipment recovered from fallen firefighters and police officers, fragments of airplanes and a portion of the building's facade.
The Aurora History Museum was selected to be the exclusive host for this important exhibit before it goes on tour.
September 11,2001: The First 24 Hours will be placed in Gallery 2 at the history museum. The Denver Post has provided several photographs and commentaries featured in the newspaper on the days following 9/11. These will be displayed adjacent to the larger gallery. The artifacts that will be exhibited at the history museum were recovered at the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island between September 12, 2001 and June 28, 2002.The artifacts from the New York State Museum collection as well as a time line of events of September 11, 2001 were assembled especially for the exhibit that will be on display at the Aurora History Museum from July 3 until September 30.
The museum will be open from 5 p. m. until 8 p. m. on Wednesday, July 4 so that those attending the city of Aurora's annual fireworks show can visit the museum and view the September 11, 2001: The First 24 Hours exhibit.
Another significant happening at the museum's July 4 open house will be the world premier concert of The Recovery Suite, a work in five movements for handbells and French horn. Composer Ken Clinton who recently relocated to Colorado from Massachusetts, has created a musical timeline of the events on September II, 2001. The composition will be performed by the Rocky Mountain Ringers hand bell choir and by David Unkrich, playing the French horn. The concert will be repeated at a final performance on September 11. Composer Ken Clinton is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and was a Tanglewood Fellow to the Boston Symphony. He has composition credits with Daniel Pinkham and Leonard Bernstein, as well as conducting experience alongside Lorna Cooke De Varon, Robert Shaw and George Szell. Ken performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, The London, Ontario Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. The Tonight Show band and the Ed Sullivan Show band.
Ken Clinton's The Recovery Suite is a moving and complex composition. The Aurora Museum Foundation, a support group for the Aurora History Museum, commissioned the music to commemorate the September 11, 2001: The First 24 Hours exhibit. The music will be available for purchase in the museum's gift shop and will be featured in the gallery during the exhibit's run.
"The Recovery Suite" will play a strong role in the museum's latest podcast for the exhibit. The Aurora History Museum was the first in Colorado to offer podcast tours available for download from the website: www.auroramuseum.org. The podcast made a splash last year for the exhibit On the Backs of Soldiers which was a collaboration between the Regis University Center for the Study of War Experience and the local electronic band Multicast. For September 11, 2001: The First 24 Hours podcast "The Recovery Suite" will be the background for oral histories provided by the New York State Museum. Visitors may download the podcast to their own mp3 player before the visit or may borrow the museum's headphones for a unique experience.
Rural Metro Ambulance has signed on as a corporate sponsor for the September 11, 2001: the First 24 Hours. Other collaborating organizations and individuals include the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, the Aurora Museum Foundation, the City of Aurora, the Rocky Mountain Ringers, Ken Clinton, David Unkrich, Robert Ferbrache and Studio Absinthe.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: Thoughts about our collective past:
History Museums have a difficult role to play in modem society because of popular notions and unshakable myths.
History should provide a realistic interpretation of what has occurred. After all, history is mostly limited to reports of human perceptions and human activity. It has been a major disappointment that history doesn't provide guidance for future behavior. There is a popular notion that to know history is to avoid repeating past mistakes and an unshakable myth that the "good old days" were pleasant and virtuous.
If that were true, how do we rationalize away the numerous dreadful conflicts and wars of the past century? If experiencing history, or merely living through events, educates us, shouldn't humankind be more informed about the foolishness of violence or more insightful about how we provide equitably for the needs of all people in our community?
Exactly what have we learned, both recorded and unrecorded, that can be passed along to the next generations? Do we dwell too much on perpetuating myths? History exists but does it give us guidance? An anthropologist or insurance actuary can report trends about growing taller or living longer based on past human action. But as yet historians are unable to give us trends to guide us in the future, to prepare us for that next recession, next stock market bubble or food or fuel shortage and how our lives will change as a result.
At least our history museums give us some reassurance by documenting and reminding us of our collective past and how much we have yet to learn, and our popular notions and unshakable myths give us comfort.
Transition: After spending seven years helping the Aurora History Museum's education program become regionally recognized for quality and innovative programming, Mary Ellen Schoonover, our Curator of Education, retired in late May to complete work on her doctorate and prepare for another adventure. We feel privileged to have benefitted from her skill and knowledge over the years and those who have come in contact with her along the way have felt fortunate to benefit from her friendship.
She came to the museum at a time when it was struggling financially and has witnessed phenomenal growth in program and exhibit attendance as well as technological innovation over the years.
The museum's fmancial challenges may never diminish, but our enduring respect for Mary Ellen willlong endure. We wish her well. - Gordon Davis, executive director, Aurora History Museum
LIVING HISTORY IS A SUCCESS: More than 500 fifth graders from the Aurora, Cherry Creek and Boulder school districts participated in a Living History Festival jointly sponsored by the Aurora History Museum and the Aurora Public Library on May 2. The activities, focused on the Civil War 
era of American history, were held at the library, the museum and at the DeLaney Farm.
In the photo, members of the First Colorado Volunteers, are shown conducting a Civil War army drill for one group of the students.
Other activities included demonstrations of Civil War era dancing, blacksmithing, quilts, campfire cooking and wood working.
The Buffalo Soldiers demonstrated cavalry tactics and the fifth graders got to visit with Abraham Lincoln (John Voehl). The Underground Railroad was another topic. A visit to the Gully Homestead was one offering as was a look in the Homestead Trunk. Each of the students had an opportunity to participate in six of the 11 activities.
A number of Aurora Historical Society members served as volunteers to help stage the Living History Festival.
RETIREMENT: Aurora History Museum curator of education Mary Ellen Schoonover retired on May 31 and scores of her friends, museum staff members, volunteers and foundation members were on hand for her retirement party.
In the photo, Gordon Davis, the museum's executive director is shown presenting a retirement gift to Mary Ellen.
In her seven years as the museum's education curator, Mary Ellen launched several of the education activities which have made the Aurora History Museum become regionallyrecognized for quality and innovative programing.
While retired from her work at the history museum, Mary Ellen will not be idle. She intends to continue her work to earn a doctorate.
APPRAISAL FAIR NETS $1350; Next Is September 29
The Aurora Museum Foundation's April 28 Antique Appraisal Fair was another success with a net profit of $I,350 reported after the payment of expenses. The five volunteer appraisers were busy from the 9 a. m. opening until the event finally concluded after 4 p. m.
Saturday, September 29 is the date for the next Antique Appraisal Fair at the Aurora History Museum. Participants will again be limited to submitting five items for appraisal and the cost will be $5 for each item. Those wishing to participate in the September appraisal fair may call (303) 739-6705 for an appointment after August 15.
Kathy Sanders organized and managed the appraisal fair once again. Foundation members helping stage the event were Carol Drollinger, Stu Pyper, Ruth Schmunk, Hal Dunning, Fred Seybold, Ruth Fountain and Bob Eide.
BRIEFLY: Two long-time members of the Aurora Museum Foundation, Ann Esposito of Denver and Jean Scotten of Aurora, died recently. While they have not been active in foundation activities of late they had continued their support with their annual payment of dues. . . . The Dutch Mill may have found a new home. In late March members of the Aurora city council's operations committee voted to recommend to the full council that the Dutch Mill be moved to Bicentennial Park when owner Donn Eley turns it over to the city. . . . The Aurora History Museum has created a new satellite display in the clock tower at the Southlands shopping center in extreme southeast Aurora. The exhibit features "Spring Fashions circa 1969.". . . .Once again members of the Aurora Museum Foundation will be selling special merchandise from the museum store at the city's Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display on the great lawn in front of the Aurora Municipal Center. . . . Foundation directors, at their meeting on June 11, authorized the Aurora History Museum to spend up to $4,000 on advertising to promote the museum's September 11, 2001: the First 24 Hours exhibit. . . . The Aurora Historical Society has begun an extensive overhaul of the landscaping at the city's historical Centennial House. A crew of volunteers from Kiwanis Club of Aurora and Jack and Jill of America began the removal of unwanted trees and shrubs on April 21 and the city's Forestry department employees finished the task in June. When the landscaping is finished Centennial House will have new flower beds, stepping stone walks, a few new trees and shrubs and new brick borders around its back yard. The work is being funded with a gift from the estate of the late Doris Ferguson, a long-time member of the Aurora Historical Society.
Historic Landmark No. 23: St. Therese School, located at 1200 Kenton street, became Aurora's 23 historic landmark at a dedication ceremony on May 10. In the photo, School Principal Laura Dement points to the landmark plaque, Aurora Preservation Chairman Gordon Tucker holds the cloth that covered it and Father Bert Chilson, St. Therese parish priest, stands by with the holy water to complete the dedication. St. Therese school, which opened in 1956, provides kindergarten through 8th grade classes.
BROWN BAG LECTURES CONTINUE TO EXAMINE AURORA
The Aurora History Museum's Brown Bag and White Linen Lectures, presented at noon the third Wednesday of each month, will continue to examine the city of Aurora. The schedule through November.
Wednesday, June 20: Donald Fletcher. This program was scheduled in December but was cancelled by a huge snowstorn. Donald Fletcher arrived in Colorado sick and penniless. Within a decade he became a leading businessman and one of the real estate speculators who incorporated Aurora. Within another decade he lost his millions. Historian William Convery tells Fetcher's story.
Wednesday, July 18: Of, By and For: Founding of CCA. Aurora traces the founding and development of Community College of Aurora by visionary community leaders who knew that a great city must have a great college, focused on building our workforce and helping to realize our promise. The program will be presented by Community College of Aurora President Linda Bowman.
Wednesday, August 15: Planning a World Class City. The creation of great places is the key to Aurora's future. City Planning Director Bob Watkins discusses efforts that are underway and techniques used to create great places.
Wednesday, September 19: The Making of a City: Molly Markert. Join City Councilwoman Molly Market as she shares the visions of Aurora's City Council at this month's lecture.
Wednesday, October 17: Aurora's Budget: Priorities and Challenges. This presentation with Mike Trevethick will focus on many of the key issues shaping Aurora's budget for 2008 and beyond. Aurora is a growing city with diverse service needs. Like other cities, it must address these needs within the constraints provided by the local economy and Colorado's fiscal environment.
Wednesday, November 21: The Making of a City: Police. Deputy Police Chief Terry Jones gives a brief overview of the responsibilities of the Aurora Police Department.
The Brown Bag and White Linen lunchtime lectures are sponsored by the Aurora Historical Society. Society members are admitted free and regular admission is $4 for Aurora residents and $5 for non-residents. Those attending must provide their own brown bag lunches.
ONE DAY IN AURORA: A Photographic Treat
One Day in Aurora, a collection of photographs depicting was happening in Aurora on April 30, 2007 opened earlier this month in the Community Gallery at the Aurora History Museum and will be on display until September 30.
Four members of the Aurora Photography Club obtained nearly 40 photographs of Aurora from early morning until nighttime on April 30 and the best of them have been selected for the exhibit. Both 16x20 and IIxl4 photographs are in the exhibit.
April 30, 2007 was the I 16th anniversary of Aurora's founding as the town of Fletcher in 1891. That fact adds a bit of historical significance to the display. The One Day in Aurora exhibit was organized in collaboration with the Aurora Photography Club's Marty Golden.
The photographs not only depict what was going on in Aurora on April 30, 200 I but are artistically pleasing. The exhibit is a refreshing contrast from the tragic September 11, 2001: The First 24 Hours exhibit which opens on July 3 in the Aurora History Museum's Gallery 2.
FLEA MARKETS ARE NEWEST ACTIVITY AT DELANEY FARM
Flea Markets at DeLaney Farm on the first Saturday's of June, July and August are the newest activity for the Aurora History Museum. The events are being planned and coordinated by Museum Assistant Motyka Johnson.
The first of the flea markets held on Saturday, June 2 featured 16 venders and there were about 300 shoppers. The remaining flea markets will be on Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, August 4. The hours are 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.
There is a $10 charge for Aurora residents for setting up an outdoor flea market booth. The fee for non-residents is $12. Booths in the DeLaney Farm horse barn cost $12 for Aurora residents and $16 for nonresidents. Parking for shoppers is available on the lower lot at DeLaney Farm or at the Aurora Municipal Center parking garage.
Flea market venders must register for a booth space at least one week before the market's date. They may call (303) 739-6662 to make a reservation or obtain additional information.
A May 11 fund-raising effort at the Aurora History Museum was something less than successful. The event was a Texas Hold-em poker tournament and registration fees paid by a dozen participants failed to cover the cost of organizing and staging the event.
Aurora Museum Foundation volunteers were on hand to prepare a chuck wagon supper for those staging and participating in the tournament. Grilling the burgers and bratwurst were Fred Seybold, Ruth Fountain and Bob Eide with help from Mary Ellen Schoonover and her husband, Dennis.
Next fund raising project for the Aurora Museum Foundation will be the sale of Fourth of July merchandise from the museum store at the city's fireworks festival.
VOLUNTEERS: the Museum Needs Them
The Aurora History Museum would find it all but impossible to function without the support of its many volunteers. Volunteers at the museum range from those who put in so much time at museum tasks that they almost become unpaid staff members. Others may spend only a few hours each year helping with the museum's special activities.
But even more help from volunteer workers is needed. Recently the Aurora History Museum 
prepared a collection of flyers listing volunteer opportunities at the museum. These flyers, a few of which are shown in the photo at the right, are available at the front desk of the museum.
Volunteer work opportunities range from writing a new history of Aurora to helping built and paint new exhibits in the museum's Gallery 2.
Aurora Museum Foundation members and others are invited to stop by the museum to examine the flyers to fmd the volunteer task they would like to perform.
A position that the museum is particularly anxious to fill is that of volunteer manager for the museum store. The job consists of finding and ordering suitable merchandise to be sold at the store and stocking the stores' shelves. It would require one or two days each month from the volunteer.
Currently the museum is also seeking volunteers to help serve punch and cookies to guests attending it's Fourth of July open house and celebration. Others could be helpful assisting with the July 7 and August 4 Flea Markets at DeLaney Farm.
Recently, museum volunteers provided vital support to the Living History Festival jointly sponsored by the Aurora History Museum and the Aurora Public Library, with the museum's 116th Aurora birthday party, with the Victorian Tea with Harriet Beecher Stowe and with the Aurora Women: Sculptors of Our Community event.
AURORA'S TROLLEY HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN
It has been almost a year since the Aurora History Museum recovered the 1913 Denver Tramway Company trolley trailer that had been hidden in a farmhouse on east Colfax avenue for 56 years. And while the trolley remains in storage at the City of Aurora's central maintenance facility, it has not been forgotten.
At its meeting on June 11, directors of the Aurora Museum Foundation agreed to lease a warehouse facility on Telluride street where the trolley can be restored. The museum staff is still seeking to find wheels to attach to the trolley.
Next step will be to recruit volunteers willing to help with the restoration of the trolley trailer. While the trolley trailer remained under cover for the past half century and is in remarkably good condition, it will require extensive restoration.
Another challenge is to find a location for the permanent display of the trolley. Several possibilities are being explored including placing it in front of the Aurora History Museum or having it become a feature of a theme display at one of the new or renovated shopping centers being planned in Aurora.
Board of Directors of the Aurora Museum Foundation: Robert Eide, president; Harold Dunning, vice-president; Carol Drollinger, secretary; Jay Bobick, treasurer; Kathy Sanders, Don Drollinger, Dean Hughes, Sue Miller, David Moore, Fred Seybold, StU Pyper, Ruth Schmunk and Sandra Sweeney. Aurora History Museum Staff: Gordon Davis, executive director; Alice Lee Main, cultural services manager; Matt Chasansky, exhibits curator, Brian Shaw, preservation assistant; Mike Thompson, collections curator; Ken Clinton, facility manager; Motyka Johnson, museum assistant; Judy Boss, volunteer Sanders Museum Store manager.