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.
THE MUSEUM WILL BE MOVING TO A NEW HISTORIC BUILDING
After 63 years in our current building, we are excited to announce that the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum, the only museum in the Philadelphia area solely dedicated to the remembrance of the history of the Civil War, has a new historic home at the
Lewis - Pattison House (c: 1805),
8110 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136.
215-613-0350 NEW NUMBER
We are very pleased to have been able to relocate to another certified historic building in a far more accessible area of the city.
Moving our singularly historic collection has been a daunting task. Thanks to our most dedicated group of volunteers, our move is now almost complete.
We are currently in the process of shelving our research books, creating exhibits, and evaluating our collection to make the new visitor experience as interesting and educational as possible.
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.
A NEW BEGINNING !!
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC CIVIL WAR MUSEUM - WHERE HISTORY COMES ALIVE!
WE ARE MAKING STEADY PROGRESS IN CREATING OUR NEW EXHIBITS AND ORGANIZING OUR ARCHIVES AND RESEARCH CENTER.
WE PLAN TO REOPEN FOR VISITORS AND RESEARCHERS BY APPOITMENT IN MID-JUNE.
OUR NEW MUSEUM LOCATION
THE NEW MUSEUM BUILDING c: 1805
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA
WE PLAN TO BE IN OUR NEW MUSEUM AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN EARLY 2022.
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA
8110 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILADELPHIA
THE LEWIS - PATTISON HOUSE WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1805 AND IS IN THE HOLMESBURG SECTION OF PHILADELPHIA
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
THE CIVIL WAR
The great conflict that was the Civil War began with the firing on Fort Sumter and ended with the surrender of the Confederate armies. During the four years of the war over three miliion men wore a military uniform.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.)
The Grand Army of the Republic was composed of any veteran who had fought for the Union during the four years of the war. It was founded on April 6, 1866 by Major Benjamin F. Stephenson, a Surgeon who served in the 124th Illinois Infantry. By the 1890's the G. A. R. had a membership of over 450,000 Union veterans & 7,500 Posts throughout the United States.
THE SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR (SUVCW)
In 1878, the veterans of Anna M. Ross Post 94 of Philadelphia formed the Anna M. Ross Camp 1 of Sons of Union Veterans to assure that the legacy of the men who fought for the union would never be forgotten, and to "inculcate patriotism and love of country ... among all the people of this land."
THE RESEARCH ARCHIVE
GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH
Our library has access to many archival and on-line materials to assist you with genealogical and family history research.
Our Research Associate and Historian are available to assist you with your research.
MUSEUM ARCHIVES
Our archives house a substantial number of 19th and 20th century contemporary documents, newspapers, photographs and other GAR Post and veterans records.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE
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 and other books related to many aspects of the Civil War.
The collection includes a significant number of personal memoirs, biographies, and a large collection related to African-American history.
The museum also has access to many online services that materially support historical and genealogical research.
Our museum Historian and Research Associate remain available to assist you with your inquires.
Please contact the museum either by USPS:
G. A. R. Museum, 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124;
OR by email garmuslib1866@gmail.com
- We do request that those with inquiries please consider joining the museum as a member, or making a donation to allow us to continue to provide our research services.
OUR HISTORY
THE HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC CIVIL WAR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
During the 19th century the veterans organized over twenty Posts in the City of Philadelphia. The largest Post hall was the memorial Hall established by Post 2 at 667 N. 12th Street. The Post 2 Hall was a magnificent structure composed on multiple meeting rooms, a grand hall, and an extensive collection of artifacts, relics, photographs and memorabilia.
In the mid 1960's the Post 2 Hall was closed and is no longer standing. Several members of the Sons of Union Veterans were able to bring a portion of the vast collection to the Ruan House, the 1796 home of physician Dr. John Ruan that is now the home of the G. A. R. Museum & Library.
In the mid-1980's, Margaret and Elmer "Bud" Atkinson of Philadelphia had a vision of creating a Civil War museum to honor and remember the veterans. The museum then opened for its first visitors in 1985. Since that date, the museum has hosted thousands of visitors and presented historical programs and speakers.
TODAY WE ARE THE ONLY MUSEUM IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA DEDICATED TO THE CIVIL WAR. WE ARE ALSO A 501(c)3 NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATION.
THE MUSEUM
POST 2 COLLECTION
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COLLECTION
GEN. GEORGE G. MEADE
Our historic collection has its foundation in the Memorial Hall Museum of G. A. R. Post 2 of Philadelphia.
GEN. GEORGE G. MEADE
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COLLECTION
GEN. GEORGE G. MEADE
The Meade Collection honors the Hero of Gettysburg & Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Key to the room is the head of OLD BALDY General Meade's war horse.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COLLECTION
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COLLECTION
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COLLECTION
The Lincoln Collection hosts a singular number of historic Lincoln relics including the HANDCUFFS found in John Wilkes Booth's trunk, & a documented strip of the PILLOWCASE with Lincoln's blood.
FIRST FLOOR EXHIBITS
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COLLECTION
Our three first floor rooms display changing exhibits from our collection. Highlights include one of only two remaining pieces of the Andersonville Prison stockade, a John Brown Pike, weapons, artillery display, & a special display of Gettysburg relics and memorabilia.
OLD BALDY
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
General Meade's war horse, Old Baldy died in 1882. A short time later two members of the G. A. R. Meade Post 1 dug up his head which was then preserved and mounted on an ebony board.
Old Baldy resides in a specially designed exhibit.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
The museum is home to a singularly historic collection of relics and artifacts of the Union veterans of the Civil War.