GAR Museum Programs

The museum hosts an admission-free OPEN HOUSE from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the first Sunday monthly. Visitors entering the museum are transported back to the Philadelphia of the 1860's when they are greeted by museum volunteers attired in the blue uniforms of the Union Army, while the women bustle about the museum in hoop skirts and the clothing of the period.

Each Open House features a unique presentation at 1:30PM designed to provide the visitor with a first-person perspective on one of the aspects of the Civil War and life in Victorian-age America. Visitors may come face to face with General Meade or General Grant, discover the complexities of medicine, attend a Civil War dance, learn about the rigors of a soldier's life, see a fashion show, or discover the secrets of 1860's photography. Also open on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Please call before visiting museum to verify these weekday hours.

The GAR Museum is also open by appointment for tour groups, school trips, club and individuals interested in touring the museum and in personal research. As a part of its educational outreach activities, the museum also presents off-site historical and living history programs for scouts, and community groups and associations.

In conjunction with the regular meetings of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, a series of lectures and discussions on topics of Civil War history are held at 8:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (unless otherwise announced). Speakers address a diverse range of issues that are of interest to all students of the war. These programs are open to the community without charge. The Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War meets the third Monday monthly (unless otherwise announced).

2012 Future Speakers (subject to change)

JANUARY 8:First-person 'Living History' presentation of Mrs Elizabeth E Hutter by Kerry Bryan Due to New Years Day - this program is on the SECOND Sunday

FEBRUARY 5:Major Octavius V Catto (of the PA National Guard) Highest ranking black officer in the army when murdered. by Andy Waskie

MARCH 6:Battle of Pea Ridge by Dick Simpson

APRIL 1:The Gettysburg Conspiracy by Will Hutchinson

MAY 6:Exhibits a collection of Civil War Swords by Jim Mccoy of the Union League

JULY 1:With the 71st PV at the Angle at Gettysburg by Dan Cashin

AUGUST 5:Civil War Secrets and Spies by Herb Kaufman

SEPTEMBER 2:Stealing a Locomotive: The Andrews Raid and the 'General" by Dr Sid Copel

OCTOBER 7:Colonel McCarter, the Fighting Parson of the 93rd Penna Regiment by Rev. Joe DiPaolo

NOVEMBER 4:Civil War Era breweries of Philadelphia by Rich Wagner

DECEMBER 2:Victorian Christmas by Jane Peters-Estes