Donate Vietnam-era artifacts for Aurora exhibit
The Aurora Historical Society is preparing an exhibit on the era 1961-75 and is seeking the loan or donation of photographs and select items from the era.
Items must have a specific connection to Aurora or have been owned and used in Aurora.
The exhibit will open Nov. 8 to coincide with the visit of the Vietnam Moving Wall. Topics to be included in the exhibit are: daily life, music, fashion, education, local sports, social life, employment, toys and entertainment, women’s liberation, race relations and military service.
Due to space limitations not all items may be accepted for the exhibit, but examples would be an Instamatic camera with flash cube, a transistor radio, Barbie and G.I. Joe figures, “hippie” clothing, programs from dances and ball games, military uniforms and gear, and photos of all kinds.
Items specific to the Vietnam War are also wanted. Examples would be photos of Aurorans in action or in uniform; uniforms from each branch including underclothes/dress/hats and shoes; pins/insignia and weaponry (guns, knives, casings).
There may be limited space for “trophies” such as captured flags and POW uniforms.
Anyone wishing to offer artifacts or photographs should contact Executive Director John Jaros at ahs@aurorahistory.net or at P.O. Box 905, Aurora, IL 60507, Attn. Exhibit.
The exhibit will run through mid-January at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free, donations appreciated.
A free opening reception for the exhibit will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, with food and music of the era.
The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to Monday, Nov. 9-11, for the convenience of those attending the Moving Wall exhibit at West Aurora High School and the Veterans Day Parade on Downer Place.
Other aspects of the exhibit will be a lecture on Sunday, Nov. 10, and oral history interviews every Saturday until Dec. 21.
For information, visit aurorahistory.net.