Aurora exhibit honors Civil War anniversary
Daily Herald report
The Aurora Public Art Commission and the Aurora Historical Society are teaming up to present a new exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.
“If I Should Not Write You Again: Remembering Life in Aurora during and following the Civil War” will be on display through Jan. 20 at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. The exhibit will be open during regular gallery hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The display will feature war-related items such as weaponry, photos and gear from local regiments, including a surgeon’s kit and field notes from Auroran Dr. Abner Hard of the 8th Illinois Calvary unit and the sword of Col. Silas Miller of the 36th Illinois Infantry.
Artifacts from the homefront on display will include images of Aurora in the mid-19th century, an 1860 Kane County map, clothing, tools and other household items of the era. Patrons also will be able to view historical treasures from Aurora’s former Grand Army of the Republic Post 20, such as the original charter, medals from various encampments, organization meeting minutes and photographs.
The Grand Army of the Republic, a national Civil War veterans’ organization, existed in Aurora from the 1860s to the 1920s. The GAR Memorial Hall, which was built in 1877-78, stands across the street from the Art and History Center.
Aurora’s Public Art Commission seeks to raise at least $800,000 through public and private partnerships to complete both exterior and interior renovations at the GAR Memorial Hall. Once work is complete, the building will be opened as a veterans’ center and museum to learn about Aurora’s role in America’s wars and genealogical research.
People who wish to donate to the GAR restoration effort can:
Ÿ Go online to the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley’s website at communityfoundationfrv.org/fund_profiles-aurora_art.asp;
ŸSend a check or money order to the Aurora Public Art Commission Fund, Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, 111 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506; or
Ÿ Call Aurora’s Customer Service Center at (630) 256-INFO or call the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley at (630) 896-7800.
Daily admission to the exhibit is free. For details, visit aurora-il.org.
If you go
What: If I should not write you again: Remembering life in Aurora during and following the Civil War exhibit
When: opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m. April 15; regular hours, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday through Jan. 20, 2012
Where: David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora
Cost: Free
Info: aurora-il.org