John Russell, grant writer for the city of Aurora, presents information about the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in Aurora at the Kiwanis Club of Aurora Tuesday at the Prisco Center in Aurora. The GAR Memorial Hall and Museum in Aurora, 23 E. Downer Place, is one of a few original GAR buildings remaining. The octagonal limestone building is on the National Register of Historic Places exhibits and tells the stories of the Civil War. The exhibits include the stories of immigrants to Aurora and every-day life in post-Civil War America. Exhibits contain original artifacts from Aurora soldiers and residents back home. The GAR was opened July 4, 1878, as a meeting space for and a tribute to Union soldiers following the Civil War. The Hall was funded by donations from Aurora’s residents and the land was donated by Joseph Stolp.
Jason Crane/The Voice