Exhibit exploring Aurora's Jewish roots is extended

An Aurora Historical Society exhibit illustrating 150 years of Jewish influence on the city of Aurora has been extended until Saturday, July 2, at the Pierce Art and History Center in downtown Aurora.

"We have had such a wonderful response to this exhibit and visitors have asked for more time so they could bring in relatives from out of town and grandchildren visiting over the summer," said guest curator Marilyn Katz.

The first Jewish settlers arrived in Aurora from Germany and Bavaria in the 1850s. Most of them were farmers, but later arrivals from other parts of Europe added to the mix of ethnicities and skills. Over time, much of the success of downtown Aurora as a shopping mecca could be credited to Jewish businesses. Prominent early residents included Samuel Alschuler, a federal judge in the early 1900s.

Aurora established its first temple, with notable stained-glass windows by Chicago artist Todos Geller, in 1915.

Exhibit hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. The Pierce Center is at 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora, with a city parking garage just across the street. Parking is free for first hour and $1 per hour after that.

For more information, call (630) 906-0650.

The exhibit is the 10th in a series of salutes to local groups called "Flavors of Aurora: Stirred Not Shaken." More information is available at www.aurorahistory.net and www.facebook.com/aurorahistory.