Civil War camp coming to Aurora

The 36th Illinois Regiment re-enactment group will set up a Civil War camp Saturday, Aug. 27, outside the Aurora Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place, in the city's downtown.

The 36th Illinois Infantry was formed in 1861 and trained at Camp Hammond in Aurora. The re-enactors will demonstrate how those soldiers ate, slept and trained at the camp before setting off for the war.

The Aurora GAR Museum reopened this summer after being closed for 15 years for a multimillion dollar restoration effort. It features exhibits about the Civil War and Aurora in the post-Civil War era.

Admission to the museum is free and it's open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. Tours also can be arranged for schools and community groups by calling (630) 256-4636.