The Aurora Regional Fire Museum has won two statewide awards from the Illinois Association of Museums. The 2026 Small Institution of the Year Award recognized the museum's leadership, innovation and community impact. The museum also received the 2026 Award of Super Achievement for its exhibit titled "Safety at Play: A Firefighter's Adventure." The museum has evolved into a regional destination with fire- and life-safety outreach, dynamic exhibitions and hands-on learning experiences. Aurora Mayor John Laesch honored the museum for winning the awards during a meeting of the Aurora City Council's Committee of the Whole.