Eric Pry, the Director of Aurora’s Grand Army of the Republic Museum, has been recognized as the Museum Professional of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM). This award was announced during IAM’s fifth annual awards ceremony, which celebrates notable contributions and achievements in various categories within the museum sector.
The Aurora GAR Memorial Hall and Museum was built in 1878 with funds raised by Aurora citizens. It serves as a monument to Civil War veterans from Aurora and a shrine for their fallen comrades. Additionally, it functioned as a veteran’s meeting hall and Aurora’s first free public library.
The museum is located at 23 East Downer Place and operates Wednesday through Friday from 12 P.M. to 7 P.M., and on Saturday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
