The aurora regional fire museum will plan, design, and implement a new permanent exhibition exploring the firefighting history of aurora and neighboring FOX valley communities

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Aurora Fire Station Preservation Corp $174,924 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to plan, design, and implement a permanent exhibition on the firefighting history of Aurora and neighboring Fox Valley communities.

The exhibition, titled "Answering the Call," will occupy the 610-square-foot Charles and Georgia Goodwin Aurora Room and remain on display for up to fifteen years. The project emphasizes the human dimension of firefighting—firefighters' courage, service, and daily lives in the station and at home—and incorporates regional stories and partnerships with other fire departments to broaden the museum's appeal. The exhibition supports strategic goals to increase annual visitation from 10,000 to 13,000 and double museum membership by 2028 while strengthening relationships with regional fire services.

Work is performed in Aurora, Illinois, with a period of performance running through December 31, 2027.

The exhibition, answering the call, will be installed in the 610-square-foot charles and georgia goodwin aurora room and remain on display for up to fifteen years. The new exhibition will bring a cohesive, modern experience that highlights the human dimension of firefighting emphasizing firefighters' courage, service, and daily lives in the station and at home. By incorporating regional stories and partnerships with other departments, the exhibition will broaden the museum's appeal while supporting strategic goals to strengthen relationships with regional fire services, increase annual visitation from 10,000 to 13,000, and double museum membership by 2028.