Roemer Secures Funds to Support G.A.R. Hall in Capital Budget

COLUMBUS-State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) recently toured the Grand Army of the Republic Hall (G.A.R.) to discuss the $150,000 allotted to the building from Substitute House Bill 2, in conjunction with State Senator Roegner, the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects across Ohio.

Initially built in 1851 as a one-room schoolhouse, G.A.R. Hall was remodeled into a meeting place for Civil War veterans. For more than a century, the Hall has served many purposes, most recently the home of the Voices in the Valley music program. The Peninsula Foundation will use the funding to rehabilitate the exterior of the historic Hall and make necessary improvements to the interior.

"Since the mid-1800s, G.A.R. Hall has evolved to meet the needs of the Peninsula community," said Roemer. "Working to rehabilitate the historic site will ensure the space will be used for generations while preserving the area's history."

"Representative Roemer's support for the rehabilitation of the G.A.R. Hall is greatly appreciated," said Karen James Walters, Executive Director of the Peninsula Foundation. “The Peninsula Foundation has worked tirelessly to preserve this historic treasure, and the continued support and encouragement from leaders like Representative Roemer make this work possible. Thank you, Representative Roemer."

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the legislation on June 28, supporting the G.A.R.'s ongoing efforts to preserve the past for future generations.