2022 Annual Appeal
Preserve the History & Legacy of the Aurora Colony

Dear Friends

In the fall of 1863, a group of Colony members drove their oxen pulled wagons the last few miles into their new home of French Prairie and Aurora, at the end of an arduous and uncertain six-month overland journey from Bethel, Missouri. Guided by the beacon of Mt Hood they were greeted by family and friends as they entered the new settlement in the newly admitted state of Oregon. The holidays that year were a time of reunion, reacquaintance, relief, and certainly joyous celebration for all! The difficulties of the trail could now be left behind, replaced by a road paved with the promises of the future.

While 2022 may not have been quite as dramatic, this year echoes with many similarities to that fall in 1863. After two challenging years the ACHS joyously welcomed back our members, supporters, volunteers, and our Stauffer-Will Farm fourth graders! We came together as a community to not only celebrate the history of the Aurora Colony but more importantly to celebrate the fellowship and friendships that had developed over the years.

Our celebrations took many forms from the Emma Days Talk, to the Colony Days Biergarten, the Quilt Show and the ACHS Benefit Auction but the highlights of the year were the Will Family Preservation and Research Building Dedication and the return of our Stauffer-Will Farm School Program. It was so good to see and visit with many of you, sharing embraces, handshakes, and face to face conversations in the spirit of a hearty “Welcome Home”!

Just as the arriving Colonists were filled with excitement and hope for the future, we on the ACHS Board are also looking towards the future. In our effort to secure long-term sustainability and relevance, we are embarking on an effort to draft a new Vision and Strategic Plan for the Historical Society. We have secured the assistance of a dynamic organization to help us articulate a path forward to achieve our goals. Your help in this process will be pivotal to our success. In the coming months we will have several opportunities for both group and individual discussions about the future of the ACHS. We hope you will have time to join us in this endeavor. After the uncertainties of the recent past, now is the time to secure our future success.

As we look forward towards that bright future, we are reminded of the many special people, such as yourself, that share our passion for this unique and special place; we are especially grateful for your stalwart dedication. Your precious time, talents and treasure have sustained us throughout the years, and we are truly indebted to your generosity.

With the promise of these incredibly meaningful opportunities before us, please consider making a year-end gift to our Annual Fund today. Regardless of the amount, your donation will make a significant contribution to our efforts to preserve the story of the Aurora Colony.

Together with your help this unique and historic endeavor will resonate with future generations.

Thank you and best wishes for a joyous holiday season.

Ted Heid
President
ACHS Board of Directors

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