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Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Fund

Established 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The City of Aurora’s historic G.A.R. Memorial Museum honors those men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. The Grand Army of the Republic was a Civil War Veteran organization which pushed for voting rights for African-American veterans, a veteran pension system, and founded Memorial Day. Post No. 20, the local Aurora group, was founded in 1875 and raised the funds to build Memorial Hall by 1877. For several years, the Hall operated as the first public library in Aurora, containing over 5,500 volumes. After the Carnegie Library was built, G.A.R. Post No. 20 was granted a life-long lease on the building. After the death of the last Civil War veteran from Aurora, Daniel Augustus Wedge, the hall was transformed into a museum. In 1999, the building fell into severe disrepair and required extensive restoration, over $3.5 million worth, which was raised through grant opportunities and donations from the public. Today, the G.A.R. Memorial Museum continues to preserve the military history of Aurora and tell the story of the men and women who fought for America. In 2017, the G.A.R. Memorial Museum was awarded the “Small Institution of the Year” award by the Illinois Association of Museums, recognizing the immense work done to restore the historic structure, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Donations made to the G.A.R. Memorial Museum will be used in offsetting the cost of exhibits, restore one of a kind artifacts, and to further preserve the over 3,500 artifacts and manuscripts in the collection.

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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