Commemorative crosses to be transferred to historical society

The white wooden crosses commemorating the five victims of the Feb. 15 shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora will be solemnly transferred to the Aurora Historical Society at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 31, at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora.

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 2:45 p.m. 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.

The building will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. March 31. Regular hours for the Pierce Center are from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Admission is free, although donations to the historical society are appreciated.

For information, visit aurorahistory.net.