Throughout Aurora’s history, certain fires have left an indelible mark on the community—blazes so massive and devastating that they became stories passed down through generations. Burned Into Memory explores the city’s most infamous infernos, from the destruction of the Stolp Woolen Mill to the Cottonmill Fire, the tragic Woolworth Fire, and many more. Through historical accounts, photographs, and firsthand recollections, this presentation delves into the impact these fires had on Aurora’s landscape, its people, and the lessons learned from each disaster. Presented by Tracy Duran, Board Vice President of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.

Location: Aurora Regional Fire Museum, second floor.

Activity Level - On your feet

Co-organizer: Carolyn Hopkins

Participants will tour the exhibit "Eye to Eye" which will feature the work of over 30 different artists. Once a rare luxury, good portraits are now part of our everyday existence. What are the stories the artists tell when they capture one's likeness? A second exhibit, "Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets: Our Storytellers" explores the artistry, tradition, and importance of basketmaking among the Pokagon band of the Potawatomi people. Activity Level - On your feet

Session 1 (Please register for just one session)

Co-organizer: Carolyn Hopkins

Participants will tour the exhibit "Eye to Eye" which will feature the work of over 30 different artists. Once a rare luxury, good portraits are now part of our everyday existence. What are the stories the artists tell when they capture one's likeness? A second exhibit, "Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets: Our Storytellers" explores the artistry, tradition, and importance of basketmaking among the Pokagon band of the Potawatomi people. Activity Level - On your feet

Session 2 - (Please register for just one session)

Co-organizer: Susan Foody

Big idea: A pendulum is a simple but powerful tool in physics for studying motion, gravity, and energy transfer. In this hands-on activity, participants will build their own pendulums, experiment with variables like string length, weight, and observe the rhythmic beauty of periodic motion.

Location: SciTech in Batavia

Co-facilitator: Susan Foody

Big idea: Hovercrafts reduce friction between surfaces by floating on a thin cushion of air. This hands on activity will let participants build a mini hovercraft using simple materials to explore air pressure, friction reduction, and lift, while thinking like real-world engineers.

Location: SciTech in Batavia