Published on June 12, 2025
Aurora's Own, Eric Pry, Named Museum Professional of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums!
The City of Aurora's Grand Army of the Republic Museum Director, Eric Pry, has been named the Museum Professional of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM)!
The prestigious honor was part of the IAM’s fifth annual awards ceremony, which recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements in various categories, highlighting the individuals and institutions that make the museum industry both vibrant and dynamic.
The Aurora GAR Memorial Hall and Museum was constructed in 1878 with funds raised by the citizens of Aurora. The Museum was built as a monument to Aurora’s Civil War veterans and as a shrine to their fallen comrades. It also served as a veteran’s meeting hall and as the City’s first free public library.
The Museum is located at 23 East Downer Place, and is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 P.M. to 7 P.M. and Saturday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Grand Army of the Republic