Have you ever wondered about the fascinating life your house may have led before you were the occupant? Who planted the roses in the front yard? What caused that large scratch across the floor? Part of the charm of living in a historic home is celebrating the history of the property. The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) will be host to a program entitled, Aurora House Histories: Your Home Has a Story, Saturday, July 13 at the Santori Library (and virtually on Zoom) where we will offer guidance on researching your own home’s history. This event will delve into the rich tapestry of Aurora’s residential past and offer a unique glimpse into the lives of those who came prior to us.
The presenter for our program is author and local historian, Julia Johnas. An avid reader and history buff, Johnas served for more than 20 years as the research liaison to the Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission and was the Director of Adult Services at the Highland Park Library for 27 years until her retirement in 2018. Now she spends her time researching and presenting at local libraries and historical societies.
“This seemed like a good program to provide for those looking for background information about their houses in Aurora,” said librarian Bradley Bibbs. “Attendees will come away with the tools they need to get them started!”
Johnas has developed an illustrated step-by-step program on how to research the history of your house and discover the unique stories embedded within local neighborhoods.
Researching house history goes beyond architectural details. With the help of the Library, you can learn how Aurora’s houses reflect the City’s evolving social and cultural landscape. Does your house feature Queen Anne detailing popular during the Victorian era, signifying a time of prosperity? Perhaps it’s a modest bungalow, reflecting the rise of the middle class in the early 20th Century. Or by tracing the ownership history of a house, you might discover a story of immigration patterns. The changing residents can illuminate the social structure of Aurora at different points in time. Dutiful research empowers you to be the detective of your dwelling.
If you are looking into researching your home, there are some important steps to take. First, visit the Santori Library’s Local History Room where our librarians can show you how to gain access City directories, census records, obituaries, and other digital resources to learn more about your neighborhood.
Second, contact the City of Aurora Historical Preservation Commission, or the Aurora Historical Society to view maps and building permits. Kane County offices can help find tax information (increases could indicate a large building project) and mortgage transactions.
Third, keep documents of all of your findings! Make copies and save them in different places. Ensure that all your hard work lives on for future homeowners and researchers.
Lastly, don’t miss this captivating program that will make you see your house and neighborhood in a whole new light. Aurora House Histories: Your Home Has a Story will take place Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m. at the Santori Library. No registration is required. For more information on the event, please contact the Library at 630-264-4117 or visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/10634195. To learn more about the Library’s local history resources, please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/localhistory.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.