The white wooden crosses commemorating the 5 victims of the February 15 shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois will be solemnly transferred to the Aurora Historical Society on Sunday, March 31 at 3:00pm at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora, IL 60505.
The crosses, erected by Aurora builder Greg Zanis the day after the shooting, have been a focal point of remembrance and grief, but recently-established tradition in the United States suggests that after several weeks crosses and the durable memorabilia placed nearby should be donated to the local historical society for a brief exhibition, then conservation, cataloging and storage.
“We are honored to be asked to hold the crosses in trust for the families and future generations,” said John Jaros, Executive Director of the Aurora Historical Society.
The crosses will be picked up by historical society volunteers and staff members at about 2:45pm at the Pratt Company fence, and transported to the Pierce Center where they will be received with honor and placed on display within the “Aurora Story” exhibit on the second floor. The exhibit will remain until May 4, 2019.
The building will be open from 2-5pm on March 31. Regular hours for the Pierce Center are Wednesdays-Saturdays from Noon to 4pm. Admission is free, although donations to the historical society are appreciated.
