The Mower County Historical Society is offering a weekend open house of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday during Meadowfest in Grand Meadow.

This annual open house allows visitors the chance to see inside building, also known as Booth Post 130. The building is normally open by appointment only.

The building’s exhibit teaches visitors about the GAR and its role among Union veterans after the Civil War.

“I think people will be surprised by how relevant the issues from the late 1860s are today,” said Mower County Historical Society Curator Jaimie Timm. “Today, many returning veterans face the same problems experienced by Union veterans 150 years ago.”

The GAR Hall in Grand Meadow was built in 1891 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been in the care of the MCHS since 1960. It is one of two original GAR Halls in Minnesota.

The GAR Hall takes about 30 minutes to tour and is self-guided. MCHS staff will be on-hand to answer questions.

Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. For more information, please visit www.mowercountyhistory.org or call the 507-437-6082.

The GAR Hall is located on the right side of Main Street after you cross First Avenue Southwest in Grand Meadow coming south from Highway 16. Please note that due to the historical nature of the building, it is not handicap accessible.