THE MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN FOR VISITORS AND RESEARCH
We are very pleased to announce that the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Archive has completed its move to our new historically certified building,
the Lewis-Pattison House, 8110 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136.
The Museum will be open on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
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).
There is no admission fee to tour our Museum or to do research in the archives. However, we ask that you consider a donation.
It is only through your financial support that our historic collection can continue to be made available to students and the public.
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.
This the first step in a planned expansion of our operating hours and your cooperation is appreciated.
We will follow the City of Philadelphia's Covid-19 prevention strategies
at the time of your visit.
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.
AUGUST CLOSING
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST.
REQUESTS FOR FUTURE VISITS AND TOURS, AS WELL AS RESEARCH REQUESTS SHOULD COINTINUE TO BE MADE THROUGH OUR EMAIL
WE WILL RERSPOND TO YOUR REQUEST AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
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 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.
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.
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.
WE DO REQUEST THAT THOSE MAKING RESEARCH INQUIRIES CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO THE MUSEUM TO ALLOW US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY RESEARCH SERVICES AND INVESTIGATION.
PLEASE USE THE DONATION PAGE ON THIS WEB SITE TO MAKE A DONATION THROUGH PAYPAL OR MAIL A CHECK TO THE MUSEUM AT THE ADDRESS BELOW:
Please contact the museum either by USPS:
G. A. R. Museum, 8110 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136;
OR by email garmuslib1866@gmail.com
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 the former 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 hosted thousands of visitors and presented historical programs and speakers.
In July, 2022 the museum began greeting visitors and researchers at its new location in the historic Lewis-Pattison House (c: 1805) in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia.
WE REMAIN THE ONLY MUSEUM IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA SOLELY DEDICATED TO THE HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR ERA. WE ARE ALSO A 501(c)3 NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATION.
FEATURED EXHIBITS
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.
THE CIVIL WAR SOLDIER
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, weapons, artillery, and personal 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.
CAPTAIN FRED BOLAND COLLECTION
REMEMBER THE LADIES COLLECTION
REMEMBER THE LADIES COLLECTION
The museum is home to the personal memorabilia of Capt. Fred Boland, 72nd PA Infantry
REMEMBER THE LADIES COLLECTION
REMEMBER THE LADIES COLLECTION
REMEMBER THE LADIES COLLECTION
The museum's collection highlights the contributions of women during and after the Civil War.
CIVIL WAR MEDICINE
REMEMBER THE LADIES COLLECTION
CIVIL WAR MEDICINE
Civil War medical practices and Philadelphia's role in medicine are brought to life.