The Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia (formerly the Civil War Library and Museum) is America's oldest chartered Civil War institution. Founded in 1888 by the members of The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), a post-war veteran's group composed of former Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, the organization moved to its present location at 1805 Pine Street in 1922. This building was originally constructed in 1858 as a private residence.

In 1886, several Companions of the Loyal Legion began forming a Civil War Library and Museum to serve as a repository for their records, relics, memorabilia, souvenirs, artifacts, and awards. A charter and Certificate of Incorporation were granted on May 2, 1888 for The War Library and Museum of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.Companion Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States, was its first elected President. The collection was kept in various locations in Philadelphia until the purchase of 1805 Pine Street in 1922 to house the collection and to serve as the Headquarters of the Loyal Legion. Our collection is the result of over a century of acquisition and conservation of a full range of artifacts, documentary material, books and memorabilia of the Civil War.

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.