Hillforest House Museum

Hillforest Victorian House Museum is a striking and significant property overlooking the Ohio River and the town of Aurora, Indiana. The Italian Renaissance house was originally built for Thomas and Sarah T. Gaff in 1855, and was designed by Isaiah Rogers. Thomas Gaff was a notable entrepreneur and was involved in a number of profitable business, perhaps most notably owning a steamboat fleet which he utilized in support of the Union government during the Civil War. After the Gaffs, Hillforest was owned by William and Birdie Mae Stark, owners of the Cochran Chair Company. The V.F.W. Post 5312 purchased the home in 1948 after the death of Birdie Mae Stark, and it was used as their headquarters until 1956 when the Hillforest Historical Foundation, Inc. bought Hillforest and opened it as a museum.

The Foundation has been a faithful steward of the home and has undertaken significant work over the decades to ensure its longevity and protect its character. Hillforest was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Revivalist is thrilled at the opportunity to assist the Foundation with the completion of a Historic Structure Report which will help guide future preservation planning.