March 20, 2026 |City of Lynn, Events, GAR Museum, History, News

New elevator makes GAR Building accessible for all

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From the City of Lynn: As part of an extensive renovation project, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) building has installed an elevator that, along with other enhancements, brings the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes it accessible for everyone.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the elevator on March 24 at 10 a.m. at the GAR, 58 Andrew St.

The elevator is the centerpiece of an extensive overhaul of the 140-year-old, 4-story building that was built for an organization that was established at the end of the Civil War in 1865 to raise money for widows of fallen Union soldiers and provide support for returning veterans.

“Making the building handicap-compliant is the first step in the revitalization of this historic building,” said GAR board chair Patti Pendexter, who noted that two exhibits created by curator Wendy Joseph will be on display. One will highlight medicine during the Civil War and the other will be a display of radio tones of WWI veterans that are part of the G.A.R. collection.

In addition to the elevator, there were other improvements designed to put the building in ADA compliance, including accessible restrooms. The City invested $2.2 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding for the project, while the GAR received a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant. The GAR raised additional funds, including a $50,000 gift from the Friends of the GAR.

“We are proud to have the GAR in Lynn and we appreciate the value it adds to the community. This is one of the many uses of ARPA funds that have had a meaningful impact in the city.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson

Post 5 of the GAR was the fifth to open in Massachusetts. It was incorporated in 1867 and named for Gen. Frederick Lander of Salem, one of the first generals to die in the Civil War. The members of Post 5 represented regiments in 20 states, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. In all, 588 members of Post 5 GAR saw service.

Construction on the building started in 1885 and it opened in 1886. The GAR is an active museum, with photographs and artifacts that document the Civil War. At one point there were more than 200 chartered posts in Massachusetts, though the majority have either closed or have a limited presence, often with no headquarters.

That is not the case in Lynn, where the GAR building has a grand ballroom that includes photos of Civil War veterans from around the country. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural, military and cultural significance.

Having the building be ADA-compliant will allow the GAR eligible to apply for grants for which it was not previously eligible.