Hillforest, constructed from 1852 to 1856 and overlooking the Ohio Rover, was the home of industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff (1808-1884) and his family. Shipping and riverboats were significant elements of the Gaff business enterprises and are reflected in the architecture of the home. The home is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Indiana's 26 designated National Historic Landmarks. Period furnishings, including some original pieces returned by Gaff descendants, reflect the active lifestyples of the former residents of this house during the period following the Industrial Revolution
| Services and amenities available on the site: | |
| X | Conducted Tours |
| Self-Guided Tours | |
| Videotape(s) | |
| Film(s) | |
| Slide Program(s) | |
| Prepared "Look-Learn-Listen" Questions | |
| X | Theme-Related Sale Items (books/postcards/souvenirs) |
| Hands-On Activities | |
| Living History or Costumed Interpretation | |
| X | Parking For School Buses |
| X | Restroom Facilities |
| Convenient Water Fountains | |
| Picnicking Facilities | |
| Vending Machines or Other Food/Drink Services | |
| Overnight Accommodations | |
| Auditorium/Meeting Room | |
| X | Emergency Services (first-aid) |
| Other services and amenities available: | |
| Operating Period: | April 1 - December 30 (January - March by appt.) |
| Days of The Week Open: | Tuesday - Sunday. Closed Mondays |
| Site Hours: | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Cincinnati time) |
| Regular Admission Fees:: | $2.00 students (6-18yrs) Children under 6 are free |
| Educational Admission Fees: | $1.50 - Youth Groups (18 yrs or younger) |
| Number of People The Site Can Accommodate: | 50 |
| Handicapped Accessible: | First floor is wheelchair accessible. |
| Other Services Available: | Luncheon and dinner packages available for groups of 20 or more |
| Materials which can be sent to the teacher or group before a visit: | |||||||
| X | Site Brochure | ||||||
| Pre-Visit Planning Package For Teachers/Leaders | |||||||
| Pre-Visit Package For Students | |||||||
| X | Lesson Plans or Other Materials Relating Sites To Statewide Curriculum | ||||||
| List of Sale Items Suitable For Students | |||||||
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| X | Books (on loan) | ||||||
| Other | |||||||
| Services the site offers to educational groups: | Guided tours by trained docents relating to the Graff family to Indiana & Ohio River Valley History |
| Does the site offer guest speakers for off-site programs? | No |
| Annually recurring events: | Victorian Christmas in mid-November thru December 30; Special exhibits in summer relating to Victorian lifestyles. Call for current exhibits. |
| Site location: | 213 Fifth St |
| Organization administering the site: | Hillforest Historical Foundation |
| Contact information: | |
| Mailing address: | PO Box 127 Aurora, IN 47001-0127 |
| Phone: | (812) 926-0087 |
| Fax: | (812) 926-1075 |
| Email: | hillforest@seidata.com |
| Web site: | http://www.dearborncounty.org/history/hillfor.html |
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