Civil War Museum of Philadelphia facts for kids
| Established | 1888 |
|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Type | History museum |
| Collections | American Civil War artifacts and portraits |
The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia is a special place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's known for being the oldest group in the United States dedicated to the American Civil War. The museum was started way back in 1888 by soldiers, sailors, and Marines who had fought in the war.
In 2008, the museum closed its doors to the public because it was planning to move to a new spot. Later, in 2016, the museum announced that its amazing collection of about 3,000 historical items would go to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. This center works with the National Park Service at Gettysburg.
Even though the main collection moved, some items from the museum are still shown in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center. Also, the museum's books, old papers, and other flat items are kept at the Heritage Center of the Union League of Philadelphia. Researchers can still look at them there. Before finding their new homes, some items from the collection were shown at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center from 2013 to 2015.
Contents
What Happened to the Museum's Location?
The museum once planned to move from its old spot on Pine Street to the historic First Bank of the United States building, which is near Independence Hall. In 2007, the mayor of Philadelphia even gave the museum $1.2 million to help with the move! The Pine Street location closed permanently in 2008, and the museum hoped to open in its new home by 2011.
However, the move didn't happen. In 2009, the Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, canceled the state's part of the money needed for the move. Because of this, the National Park Service took back its offer to let the museum use the First Bank building.
What Kind of Cool Stuff Was in the Collection?
The Civil War Museum had many interesting items from the American Civil War. Here are some highlights:
Old Baldy: A Famous Horse
One of the most unique items was the mounted head of a horse named "Old Baldy". This horse was ridden by U.S. Major General George G. Meade during most of the Civil War. Old Baldy's head was preserved in 1882 and fixed up in 1991. In 2010, it was returned to its owner, the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library in Philadelphia.
Items from Famous Generals
Besides a large picture and items related to General Meade, the museum also had personal belongings from other important U.S. generals. These included items from Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Reynolds, and George B. McClellan. Imagine seeing something they actually used!
Special Artworks Called Escutcheons
The collection also featured many military escutcheons. These were like special artworks made in the United States from the end of the Civil War until about 1907. They looked a bit like a coat of arms and showed a veteran's military history. Families or the veterans themselves would often order these to remember their service. Artists created them using a colorful printing method called chromolithography.
Abraham Lincoln's Mementos
The museum also had items connected to President Abraham Lincoln. These included a cast of his hands, a small piece of his hair, and a death mask. These items offer a rare glimpse into the life of one of America's most important leaders.
