May 3, 2024 |City of Lynn, Events, GAR Museum, News

Improvements will elevate GAR building

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When a structure gets to be almost 140 years old, it’s reasonable to expect it will need some attention. In the case of the Grand Army of the Republic building, it needs a lift – literally.

The GAR building will be closed for about a year for renovations, with the installation of an elevator in the 4-story edifice the centerpiece of the enhancements. 

In addition to the elevator, there will be other improvements designed to put the building in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including accessible restrooms.

There will be a groundbreaking for the $7 million project on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at 58 Andrew St. The public is invited.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime infusion of funds from the City, which is wonderful,” said GAR Curator Wendy Joseph, referring to the $2.2 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding that the City is directing to the project. The GAR is also receiving a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant and the Friends of the GAR have made a $50,000 donation.

GAR board chair Patti Pendexter said the investment from the City is unprecedented.

“This administration and the city council have made a commitment that hasn’t been made in the past,” she said. “They realize the potential and the uniqueness of this facility.”

“This is doing something that only these federal dollars could have helped with because of the expense,” Joseph added.

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said it is important for the City to support an organization with such historical significance.

“We are proud to have the GAR in Lynn and we appreciate the value it adds to the community,” Nicholson said. “Dedicating this federal money to help modernize the building represents a very effective use of ARPA funds.”

The Grand Army of the Republic was established after the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865 to raise money for widows of fallen Union soldiers and provide support for returning veterans, Joseph said. Post 5 in Lynn – the fifth one to open in Massachusetts – was incorporated in 1867 and named for Gen. Frederick Lander of Salem, one of the first generals to die in the Civil War.

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.

Contrast that to Lynn and the building with a grand ballroom that includes photos of Civil War veterans from around the country. 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.

“People came to live in Lynn and the surrounding areas because this post was the most beautiful, richest and politically successful post,” said Joseph, who noted that the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural, military and cultural significance, Joseph said.

“The GAR is a gem that everyone in the City can be proud of. We look forward to these improvements being completed so that it is again a resource that can be enjoyed by all.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson

Pendexter said having the building be ADA-compliant will allow the GAR eligible to apply for grants for which it is not currently eligible.

The renovation project is expected to take about a year. In the meantime, Joseph is operating out of City Hall and will be setting up some exhibits to provide the GAR with increased visibility.When the building reopens there will be an opportunity for other organizations to make use of the space, Pendexter said.

The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.