Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library

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Located in the Frankford section of Northeast Philly, the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library houses a large collection of museum artifacts, some 3,000 books, archives and manuscripts. 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.

Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library

Founded on April 6, 1866 by Major Benjamin F. Stephenson, a Surgeon who served in the 124th Illinois Infantry, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was composed of any veteran who had fought for the Union during the four years of the Civil War. By the 1890's the GAR had a membership of over 450,000 Union veterans from 7,500 Posts throughout the United States.

Insider Information

For more than 30 years, one of the most popular displays at the former Civil War Museum of Philadelphia in Center City was the mounted head of Old Baldy, General George Meade's war horse, and today Old Baldy is back on display at the Grand Army of the Republic Museum & Library in the Meade Room. The Meade Room honors the "Hero of Gettysburg & Commander of the Army of the Potomac."

Old Baldy

In addition to the Meade Room, the Lincoln Room exhibits a number of historic Lincoln relics including the handcuffs found in John Wilkes Booth's trunk and strip of the pillowcase with President Lincoln's blood.