Gettysburg park gets 3,000 artifacts from Civil War museum

[Jim Garrett]

The Philadelphia Civil War got caught in the middle of just about the worst possible Catch 22 if I remember it correctly. If someone remembers this differently, please correct me.

The Philadelphia Civil War Museum was indeed the MOLLUS collection. Military Order Loyal Legion Union Service. The Pine Street property was their home for over 100 years, nice old townhome (huge) but completely unsuitable to house an important collection. It was located around the corner from Gen. Meade's home.

Under an agreement with the NPS, they would be given a sweet heart deal on the use of the 2nd Bank of the United States building on Chestnut Street. This was a great improvement because of the history, size and location of the building. It was all contingent on grants from Pennsylvania and Philadelphia and the grants were dependent on each other. Without one grant, the other was withdrawn.

The Philadelphia Civil War Museum sold their Pine Street property and put their collection in storage. Then, the economy took a big downturn. Either Philadelphia pulled the funding on the grant or Pennsylvania did, causing the other grant to be withdrawn and the NPS pulled the 2nd Bank building because the Philadelphia Civil War Museum was unable to pay for the renovations without the grants.

They loaned out artifacts to the NPS museum at Gettysburg and the GAR Museum in Philadelphia while everything sat in limbo. While Gettysburg is a good destination, it also means that in all likelihood, just a small fraction of the collection will go on display. They not only have Meade's slouch hat, they also loaned Meade's Kepi which has been on display at Gettysburg. They also have Meade's entire uniform worn at Gettysburg and the head of "Old Baldy" (Meade's horse), which I believe went to the GAR Museum to settle a dispute. They also have two of Gen. U.S. Grant's post war uniforms made by Wannamakers. A personal favorite which I doubt will be displayed....they have the handcuffs recovered from J.W.B.'s room at the National Hotel.