Civil War Museum of Philadelphia facts for kids
| Established | 1888 |
|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Type | History museum |
| Collections | American Civil War artifacts and portraits |
The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia is a special place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known as the oldest organization in the United States focused on the American Civil War. This museum was started in 1888 by brave officers who had served in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
The museum closed its doors to visitors in 2008. This was because it planned to move to a new building. In 2016, the museum shared 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 are still shown in Philadelphia. You can see them at the National Constitution Center. The museum's books and old documents are still owned by the Civil War Museum. Researchers can look at these materials at the Heritage Center of the Union League of Philadelphia.
While the museum was closed, its collection was kept safe at the Gettysburg Museum. Some items from the collection were even displayed there between 2013 and 2015.
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Where the Museum Was Located
In 2007, the museum announced exciting news. It planned to move from its spot on Pine Street to the old First Bank of the United States building. This new location was close to Independence Hall. The mayor of Philadelphia, John F. Street, even gave the museum $1.2 million to help with the move.
The Pine Street location closed for good in August 2008. The museum hoped to open in its new home by 2011. However, in 2009, the state's governor, Ed Rendell, canceled some 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.
Amazing Items in the Collection
The museum had many interesting things from the Civil War. One famous item was the mounted head of "Old Baldy." This was the horse ridden by U.S. Major General George G. Meade during most of the war. Old Baldy's head was preserved in 1882 and fixed up in 1991.
In 2010, Old Baldy's head went back to its owner. This was the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library in the Frankford area of Philadelphia. They had loaned it to the Civil War Museum in 1979.
Personal Items of Generals
Besides items related to General Meade, the museum also had personal belongings from other important U.S. generals. These included Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Reynolds, and George B. McClellan. These items helped tell the stories of these famous leaders.
Unique Military Art
The collection also featured many military escutcheons. These were like family coat of arms but showed a veteran's military service. Artists made them in the United States from the end of the Civil War until about 1907. Families often ordered them to remember a soldier's bravery.
Abraham Lincoln's Mementos
The museum also had special items connected to Abraham Lincoln. These included a cast of his hands, a piece of his hair, and a death mask. These items offered a unique look at one of America's most famous presidents.
