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Lynn veteran Aubrey Hector explores the exhibits at Lynn's G.A.R. Hall & Museum after using the museum's new elevator. (Spenser Hasak) Purchase this photo

GAR Hall and Museum rises to new heights

Briana Alvarez

by

LYNN — The Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Museum (GAR) held its ribbon-cutting on Tuesday morning to commemorate its new ADA-compliant improvements. 

The ADA improvements included a new elevator, a wheelchair lift, and new accessible bathrooms. The project began in April 2024 and was made possible through $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.

“And thanks to the collective efforts of so many in this room, the GAR Hall and Museum has been made accessible,” Master of Ceremonies Drew Russo stated. “…So that everyone in our community can learn the proud history of local union veterans, who stood up for our republic during a truly precarious time for our country. 

With the Lynn English Marine Corps JROTC in attendance, followed by the reenactors of the 18th Massachusetts regiment, city officials, residents, and veterans gathered on the first floor of the GAR using either the stairs or the new elevator and wheelchair lift. 

“We had the opportunity to administer from our federal American Rescue Plan Act program, as well as our community development chipped in,” Mayor Jared Nicholson stated. “…all in service of the memory of the veterans of the Civil War, and really, all of our veterans.

Nicholson went on to share that 80 years ago, his grandfather, Frederick Peach, earned a Purple Heart fighting in Germany. Roughly 80 years before that, Nicholson’s great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Peach, fought in the Civil War. 

“And he was one of the veterans on the wall,” Nicholson stated. “ I so appreciate what the GAR is doing, honoring the legacy of my great-great-grandfather, and all who served, along with them, and the more that they plan to do, to honor all of our veterans.” 

Deputy Secretary of the Office of Veteran Services, Massachusetts, Andrea Gayle-Bennett, was also in attendance.

“You protected a story, and it’s not just any, but one that belongs to generations of veterans who help shape this community and this country. So today feels very special, not just because something new has been added, but because something important has been made possible,” she said. 

She added, “This elevator represents access, and access is not a small thing.
For many veterans, especially those who carry visible and invisible means from their service, spaces like this can feel just a little bit out of reach. And so a set of stairs can quietly say, this wasn’t built for you. But today changes that.” 

Sen. Brendan Crighton, along with City Councilors Coco Alinsung and Nicole McClain, spoke to the audience on the importance of the elevator but also expressed their gratitude to the hard work of Chair Patti Pendexter and GAR Hall and Museum Curator Wendy Joseph. 

Once the ribbon was cut, attendees were free to head upstairs and enjoy the exhibits on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Volunteers gave brief overviews of each photo and artifact, allowing every person to enjoy the new ADA-compliant displays. 

“‘A generation which ignores history has no past and has no future,’” Councilor President Coco Alinsug quoted, “
And that is the reason why we’re all here today in the Grand Army of the Republic.”

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