The Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia interprets the struggle for freedom, equality and national unity in 19th century America, in order to inspire a better understanding of that struggle and a renewed dedication to its importance today.

Founded in 1888 by veteran Union Army, Navy and Marine corps officers, ours is the oldest chartered Civil War institution in the United States created to preserve the history of that conflict, and to promote public education through the collection, preservation and display of artifacts and written and photographic documents.

With nine galleries of displays and exhibits, the Museum's holdings include more than 3,000 artifacts, more than 7,000 photographs, hundreds of art works, and about 400 cubic feet of archival material. Firearms, edged weapons, uniforms, paintings, photographs and flags are among the many objects on permanent display. Our Changing Gallery displays material on subjects such as women in the War, military railroads, prisons and prisoners of war, and the experiences of black soldiers. Our collection of material from the Confederacy includes President Jefferson Davis' s smoking jacket, a scarf of Colonel John S. Mosby, and the blanket used by Captain Henry Wirz, commandant of Andersonville Prison, while awaiting his execution.

We are moving! After more than 85 years at 1805 Pine Street, The Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum will be closing its doors August 2nd until it reopens in 2010 at its new location, The First Bank of the United States at 3rd and Chestnut Streets.

Join us on August 2, 2008 for our Open House event from 11:00 am-4:00pm. Admission is free. This will be your last chance to visit the Museum at 1805 Pine Street. For more information click here or call 215.735.8196.