“Building Upon Our Tradition”

The Aurora Historical Society continued its non-stop series of spectacular events with the grand opening of the Smithsonian Institute’s traveling exhibit Journey Stories. The exhibit explored the individual stories that illustrate the critical roles that travel and movement have played in building our diverse American society.   Journey stories are the tales of how we and our ancestors came to America. From Native Americans to the newest American citizens, our history is filled with stories of people leaving behind everything, families and possessions, to reach a new life in another state, across the continent, or even across an ocean.  Imagine the sense of adventure and excitement of the prospects of a new beginning, combined with the fear of the unknown that Aurora’s own Ebenezer Sheldon and his family must have experienced when they left Massachusetts in 1799 to settle in the area of the Western Reserve.

As I mentioned, we have had great success with our efforts at bringing quality programing and activities to all segments of the Aurora community from the tremendously popular Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War exhibit to the second successful Antiques Appraisal Fair, Consignment Shop and Café.  Thanks to your participation and the outstanding efforts of our Board of Trustees and the talents of our director Dr. Marcelle Wilson the Aurora Historical Society has earned a reputation of being more than just a local historical museum.

With your sustained support and input we will continue to provide a rich historical and cultural experience for our members and visitors.  Our goals this year are to continue to grow our membership, conduct a review of the society’s by-laws, and establish a program of “planned giving” as a way for our members and others to perpetuate the efforts of the Aurora Historical Society.  The Board of Trustees cannot possibly do all of these things by itself.  Where do you and your talents fit?  Is it working on one of the three goals? It is helping with this year’s Antiques Appraisal Fair?  Is it signing up to be a museum docent?  Be part of history and let us know where you will help to make a difference. Help build upon our tradition by contacting your officers or any member of the board.

John Kudley