A new state historical marker honoring Adam Gimbel and the origins of the Gimbel Brothers department store will be dedicated in downtown Vincennes this Friday at noon.

Gimbel, a Jewish immigrant from Bavaria, opened his first store at Main and Second Streets in the mid-1800s. That store eventually grew into Gimbels, one of the nation’s largest department store chains. While in Vincennes, Gimbel also served on the city council and was active in the community.

The Vincennes location was destroyed in a downtown fire in 2011, but Jon Mays with the Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society says the marker will help preserve Gimbel’s legacy and more. “The marker not only recognizes Adam Gimbel, but also highlights the broader Jewish presence in Vincennes and southern Indiana—a history many people may not be aware of.” he said. ” There were a number of Jewish merchants here, along with others from diverse backgrounds.”

The marker is supported by the Indiana Jewish Historical Society to recognize both Gimbel and that broader Jewish presence in southern Indiana.

The dedication takes place Friday at noon at Second and Main, followed by a public reception at the Pantheon.