Tag: grand army of the republic museum

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Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library

Hugh Boyle

I visited the GAR Civil War Museum and Library on Sunday December 4th during their monthly public program.  I didn’t have much time to spend and so I did not get my fill of history, music, pictures, exhibits and stories from Hugh Boyle and Tom O’Toole.  I hope to do better next time.

There are lots of reasons to go to the GAR.  If you have an interest in the Civil War as we enter the 150 anniversary years of the conflict, this is a place to see some historic artifacts for yourself.  The GAR was the original Civil War veterans organization.

Google Old Baldy and General Meade and you will find a ton of hits.  Then troop on down to the GAR Museum and see what they have.  You will find Old Baldy himself.

Old Baldy

If you’ve been to Washington DC and toured and Ford’s Theater, you know about the house across the street (Peterson boarding house) where President Lincoln died.  On display at the GAR Museum is a piece of the pillow case where Lincoln lay which still has his blood still on it.  There is a great display of Lincoln material on hand.

Did you ever hear about Dr. Mary Edwards and her experience in the Civil War. You can see her tool kit right there on Griscom Street.  You got the Congressional Medal of Honor for her service.

The Ruan House itself is a historic gem.  It was built in 1796 and is on the National Register of Historic Sites.  It is in amazing condition and a treat to see.

28th Pennsylvania RegimentalBrass Band in Concert

An unexpected highlight of my brief visit was the performance by the 28th Pennsylvania Regimental Brass Band.  They were doing music of the Civil War era and it was interesting to hear songs that the troops would have heard back in that time.    The venue at the museum is cozy and intimate with the musicians and audience in close proximity.  It is more like having a concert in your own living room.  That is the best way to enjoy this music and the acoustics were really great.

Put this place on your schedule.  It should not be missed.  Bring the kids.  They have parking in back.

 

 

 

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Haunted History Tour Wrap Up

We at the Frankford CDC thought our Haunted History tour this past weekend was a great success. We took forty five folks around Haunted Frankford – to the Grand Army of the Republic Museum & Library (GAR), the Historical Society of Frankford, Frankford Friends, and St. Marks Church. We were lucky enough to get a tour of some hidden spots in St. Marks Church – definitely worth the price of admission! See pics below (unfortunately no orbs or ghosts were caught on film, but maybe next time).

We were so pleased that so many folks turned out – we hope they had as good a time as we did, and learned something new about Frankford’s rich history.  

For anyone who was able to make it this past weekend, we’d love to hear what you thought (give us a call at 215-743-6580). Just like our Second Saturdays, we plan to organize this Haunted History tour again next year, so we want any and all suggestions you may have on how to make it even more interesting and spooky.

Last, a big thank you to all of our sponsors, including:

* St. Marks Church

* The Historical Society of Frankford: frankfordhistoricalsociety.org

* Frankford Friends: frankfordfriendsschool.org

* Grand Army of the Republic Museum & Library: garmuslib.org

* South Jersey Ghost Research: southjerseyghostresearch.org

* Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route: w3r-us.org 

* Just Good Scents: facebook.com/#!/pages/Just-Good-Scented/247993975219572

* Fifth of a Farm: fifthofafarm.com

* Revolution Cider: revolutioncider.com   

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Frankford Haunted History Tour, October 22nd

The Frankford Community Development Corporation (FCDC), the Historical Society of Frankford, St. Mark’s Church, South Jersey Ghost Research, the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library, and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association will be organizing a haunted history tour of Frankford. The event will begin and end at the Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Orthodox Street, at 4:00pm, and will culminate in a reception at 6:00pm. Tickets are $6.00, and parking will be available at Frankford Friends School, also on the 1500 block of Orthodox Street.

Several of the participating organizations have been previously visited by the South Jersey Ghost Research, a group of investigators that conducts discreet investigations and field research using the latest scientific methods and tools as well as psychic investigators.  Learn of their findings at the various sites on the tour – which have been documented through photographs and sound recordings – and perhaps experience your own special phenomenon.
Frankford Community Development Corporation: Frankford CDC regularly organizes special events as part of its mission to revitalize the Frankford Avenue commercial corridor and its surrounding neighborhood. To celebrate Halloween, FCDC turned to its community partners to provide an interesting and fun way to learn about Frankford’s rich history by visiting neighborhood landmarks such as St. Marks Church, the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library, and the Historical Society – and hearing firsthand about hauntings that have taken place in and around those buildings.
“Our goal is to spotlight just how special our neighborhood is, and in the process we hope to draw individuals and families from throughout the Philadelphia area, so that they too can see all that Frankford has to offer,” said Michelle Feldman, Commercial Corridor Manager and Special Events Coordinator for the Frankford CDC. “Frankford’s unique and fascinating history is just one of the many wonderful assets our neighborhood possesses, and we believe our tour will show just that.”
For more information about the tour or to reserve your ticket, please contact Michelle Feldman at 215-743-6580. All ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult).  Space is limited, so be sure to call ahead.
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Grand Army of the Republic

GAR Museum & Library – ‘Open House’ Civil War History presentation
Sunday, January 2, 2011 – 1:30PM
The Election of 1860 – Rending the Union Asunder!
(Tom Moran – Union League CWRT president)
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Historic Ruan House • 4278 Griscom Street• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19124 • (215) 289-6484 • Museum email: garmuslib@verizon.net

FREE & Open to the public!

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, December 5, 12pm – 5pm
    Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Victorian Christmas Customs Jane Peters-Estes
  • Endangered City
    When – Fri, December 10, 6pm – 10pm http://gloomyhappy.wpengine.com/2010/11/30/endangered-city-exhibit-coming-to-the-globe-dye-works/
    Where – Globe Dye Works (map)
    Description – A benefit for the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia http://gedoproject.blogspot.com/
  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, December 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – ANNUAL HOLIDAY SOCIAL and PROGRAM ARAMINGO CANAL EXCAVATION Douglas B. Mooney. MA Senior Archaeologist, URS Corporation, Inc The Aramingo Canal was built in 1847 in the bed of Gunner’s Run – a stream emptying into the Delaware in Kensington – in an effort to increase commerce in the area. But the creek-turned-canal became so polluted that it was covered over in 1900. Douglas Mooney URS Corporation’s Project Manager, conducted an archaeological dig in Port Richmond, unearthing a 50-foot section of he canal’s wooden wall. Artifacts from this historic excavation will be displayed and Mr Mooney will provide an update on this project. Students, researchers, historians, genealogists, and all others invited. The monthly program meetings are held at the Historical Society of Frankford’s 1930 building, housing its Library and Museum. Enjoy the Society’s collections and exhibitions and learn something new each month. The annual December Holiday Program features homebaked refreshments throughout. Following the program, participants and presenters can refresh and exchange ideas. Members free; Others $5.00
  • Christmas Caroling
    When – Fri, December 17, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Overington Park (map)
    Description – On Friday Dec. 17th from 7 to 8pm we will be singing carols in Overington Park. We will be caroling on the steps leading to the play equipment, off Pilling Street. We encourage you to wear a holiday hat, listen to our joyful noise and hopefully join in. The Friends of Overington Park wanted to gather with our neighbors and raise our voices in celebration of the holiday season. Please come out and join us! All are welcome! Diane Kunze, Friend of Overington Park
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, December 21, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
    When – Wed, December 15, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Where – Aria Hospital’s Frankford Campus (4900 Frankford Avenue) in the 2nd floor meeting room. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.