Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Library & Museum
4278 Griscom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 289-6484
www.garmuslib.org

Dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum offers educational programs, exhibits, and forums that promote a better understanding of American history. With a small staff, the Museum opens to the general public only once per month. Groups, however, can make appointments at other times.

The Ruan House, a Georgian mansion built in 1796, is the Museum's home. The beautifully preserved building is listed in the local, state, and national registers of historic places.

Inside visitors will find an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts, battle relics, personal memorabilia, paintings, documents, and photographs. This collection was begun by the veterans who formed Post 2 of the Grand Army of the Republic. The very interesting exhibits feature highlights such as tree stumps from the Chickamauga Battlefield, each embedded with a cannonball; one of the few remaining original sections of the stockade from the notorious Andersonville Prison; personal possessions of General George G. Meade; and handcuffs owned by John Wilkes Booth, intended for the kidnapping of Abraham Lincoln.

Many, many other items each tell a unique story. And many of those stories are personal ones, giving insight into the War that is not available anywhere else.

The Museum has its Open House on the first Sunday of each month (every Sunday during January). Visitors are greeted by costumed docents wearing the uniform of the Union Army. Women bustle about in their hoop skirts and other clothing of the period.

Each Open House features a special 2-hour presentation designed to provide visitors with a first-person perspective on one of the aspects of the Civil War and life in Victorian America. General Grant might appear, or the complexities of Civil War medicine might be demonstrated. The secrets of 1860's photography may be revealed. There's something different each month, giving visitors reason to return again and again.

Groups, including School Groups, can enjoy an educational Guided Tour. Outreach Programs are also available, with Museum staff delivering historical programs for groups off site.