VISITORS, TOURS AND RESEARCHERS ARE WELCOME
VISIT OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL
TAKE A SHORT TOUR OF THE MUSEUM AND LISTEN TO HISTORIAN PRESENTATIONS
THE MUSEUM IS OPEN FOR VISITORS AND RESEARCH
Welcome to the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Archive. The museum is located in a historically certified building,
the Lewis-Pattison House
8110 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136.
The Lewis-Pattison House dates to 1805.
The Museum is open on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
We are pleased to welcome researchers and visitors by appointment.
Please read the procedures outlined below.
We are excited to now be able to welcome visitors to tour our exhibits and utilize our extensive archives for historical and genealogical research. Our exhibits have been revitalized and designed to tell the personal story of the men and women who served our country during the Civil War. Our exhibits focus on the personal memorabilia of the veterans, highlighting those with personal ties to the city of Philadelphia and the region.
There is no admission fee to tour our Museum. However, we ask that you consider either becoming a member or making a donation.
** Those requesting research must either be a member of the museum or make a donation to support our research archives. **
It is only through your membership and financial support that our historic collection and archives can continue to be made available to students and the public.
While we encourage your visit, please be aware that we are staffed solely by volunteers. Our current volunteer staffing can accommodate a visit by appointment other than our Tuesday hours.
To make an appointment, email us at garmuslib1866@gmail.com
To arrange a guide for your visit, we will need seven-days’ notice, and we will confirm the date(s) after we recruit volunteer(s).
In your e-mail, please provide the following:
1. The nature of the visit – tour and/or research
2. Requested date and arrival time
3. Number of participants
4. Name, telephone number and e-mail address of the lead person
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
As a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, all donations payable to the “GAR Civil War Museum” are tax deducible to the full extent of the law.
Memberships and donations to support the museum should be mailed to:
G. A. R. Civil War Museum, 8110 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136.
OR make a donation through PayPal on our Donations Page.
WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME A PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE MUSEUM'S HISTORY.
THE MUSEUM IS OPEN FOR VISITORS
READ OUR OUTSTANDING JOURNAL
the "GAR SCOUT."
SPRING 2025 Edition now available
Scroll below to download the journal.
WE HAVE REGULAR OPEN HOURS ON TUESDAY FROM 11:00 AM THROUGH 4:00 PM.
WE ARE ALSO PLEASED TO WELCOME VISITORS BY APPOINTMENT.
EMAIL US AT garmuslib1866@gmail.com
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE FOLLOW THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THIS PAGE.
Click "MORE" to learn about our history, research library, and historical collections.
KEEP HISTORY ALIVE!
SUPPORT THE MUSEUM BY BECOMING A MEMBER!
SEE OUR MEMBERSHIP PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR FUTURE HISTORICAL LECTURES AND PROGRAMS
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS AND MUSEUM DONORS.
Scroll below for further information.
ExplorE the HISTORIC Wonders of Grand Army of the Republic Museum & ARCHIVE: RECENT DONATIONS AND EXHIBITS
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library is to preserve the heritage and history of the Civil War era through the presentation of historical programs, forums and exhibitions designed to promote a better understanding of American history.
WE ARE THE ONLY MUSEUM IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA DEDICATED TO THE HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR. THE G. A. R. MUSEUM IS ALSO A 501(c)3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
OUR MUSEUM LOCATION
THE G.A.R. MUSEUM BUILDING c: 1805
THE MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN FOR VISITORS AND RESEARCH:
WE ARE LOCATED ON FRANKFORD AVENUE NEAR WELSH ROAD
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, 19136
THE LEWIS - PATTISON HOUSE WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1805 AND IS IN THE HOLMESBURG SECTION OF PHILADELPHIA
G.A.R. AND CIVIL WAR RESEARCH POLICY - PLEASE READ
RESEARCH POLICY
The museum possesses an outstanding collection of books, documents and photographs. Our archives include records of a number past Grand Army of the Republic Posts including chronicles, histories, reports and registers.
We also have a significant collection of regimental histories, personal memoirs, biographies, Lincoln, a large collection related to African-American history, and other books related to many aspects of the Civil War.
We are gratified by the interest that has been shown in those requesting research assistance.
** IF YOU ARE REQUESTING RESEARCH ASSISTANCE YOU MUST EITHER CURRENTLY BE A MEMBER OF THE MUSEUM, OR BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MUSEUM, OR MAKE A DONATION TO THE MUSEUM. **
Our archives and library resources are highly sought-after by researchers.
To effectively meet the extensive number of requests, our Research Associate and Museum Historian will only research and respond to requests made by members of, and donors to the museum.
PLEASE VISIT THE MEMBERSHIP OR DONATION PAGE PRIOR TO MAKING YOUR RESEARCH REQUEST.
YOU MAY BECOME A MEMBER BY EITHER SENDING AN APPLICATION AND A CHECK TO THE MUSEUM, OR THROUGH PAYPAL. ON THIS WEBSITE.
ONCE YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR DONATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED, OUR VOLUNTEER RESEARCH STAFF WILL BE PLEASED TO BEGIN THE RESEARCH AND RESPOND TO YOUR REQUEST AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE MUSEUM IS A NON-PROFIT 501-C-3 ORGANIZATION. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT OF THE LAW.
G. A. R. CIVIL WAR MUSEUM AND ARCHIVE
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19136
THE RESEARCH collection
ELMER "BUD" ATKINSON RESEARCH ARCHIVE
RESEARCH REQUESTS ARE LIMITED TO INFORMATION RELEVANT TO G.A.R. POST RECORDS & HISTORIES, RECORDS RELATED TO OTHER ALLIED ORDERS OF THE G.A.R. SUCH AS LADIES OF THE G.A.R. OR DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR ETC.
AS AVAILABLE, WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MILITARY RECORDS OF CIVIL WAR VETERANS.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT CONDUCT FAMILY AND ANCESTRAL GENEOLOGY RESEARCH.
HUGH BOYLE HISTORICAL ARCHIVES
Our archives house a substantial number of 19th and 20th century contemporary documents, newspapers, photographs and other GAR Post and veterans records.
Researchers are welcome to visit the museum and utilize the archives and library for personal research.
