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TO: Mayor Robert J. O'Connor
FROM: John Russell, grant writer
DATE: February 3, 2017
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting approval to apply for a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant in the amount of $10,000, to assist in returning the Sentry Statue to the top of Aurora's historic GAR Museum.
PURPOSE:
The Sentry Statue stood atop the GAR building from its opening in 1878 until 2008, when the Statue was taken down during repair of the GAR Museum roof. After 130 years, the Statue was in poor condition, and actually broke apart during the removal process. Today, the GAR Memorial Museum and the GAR Memorial Commission, divisions of the Aurora Community Services Department, are working to recreate the Sentry Statue and have it re-installed on the roof of the Museum. The project also will involve repairing the original Sentry Statue, and putting it in a place of prominence inside the GAR Museum.
BACKGROUND:
The Sentry Statue project is an important piece of the overall restoration of the GAR Museum. The Sentry was in the plans for the GAR Post 20 Hall from the very beginning, and today's Museum will not be complete without it. The symbolism to the men and women who designed the GAR Hall was clear -- this was a memorial to the common soldier who did his duty at the front lines and perhaps gave his life to preserve and protect our nation. The Sentry Statue is the embodiment of the mission of the GAR Memorial Commission and the GAR Memorial Museum -- to honor the everyday soldier
DISCUSSION:
The GAR Museum has received rough estimates from three companies which specialize in restoration of historic sculptures and artifacts. The average estimate for the work was $45,000. We are seeking $10,000 from the Grand Victoria Riverboat fund toward the project. The City of Aurora Community Services Department has designated $5,000 toward the project. And we are seeking additional grants and funding from other agencies. Account numbers for the project are: Exp...
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