The Aurora Historical Society is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Burlington Railroad with a special exhibit at its downtown museum and a banquet at the roundhouse.
The exhibit is currently at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer in downtown Aurora. It features dozens of artifacts and images showcasing the history of the Burlington Railroad, which began as the Aurora Branch Railroad in 1849 and is today the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BSNF). The exhibit, which runs through August 17, can be viewed during the normal open hours of the Pierce Center, Wednesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As part of the Railroad’s anniversary celebration, the historical society will hold a banquet at Two Brothers Roundhouse Sunday, July 28. From 1856 to 1974, the historic roundhouse served as a primary piece of the Burlington Railroad’s Aurora car shop complex.
The banquet, which will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., will feature hors d’oeuvres and drinks, an historical slide program on the history of the Railroad, a buffet dinner, and then a screening of the 1934 classic movie, “The Silver Streak,” featuring the revolutionary train, the Pioneer Zephyr.
Tickets for this fundraising banquet are $100 a person, $90 for Aurora Historical Society members. A special early bird special is available for those who reserve and pay by July 16: $85 a person, $75 for Aurora Historical Society members. Interested parties can register online at www.aurorahistory.org.
— Aurora Historical Society