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. 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. View the current schedule of programs. 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.
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 men, women, and children who compose this group are all living historians whose goal is to rekindle the spirit of the Civil War period through the presentation of historical programs and related activities. The Association serves the community through the performance of living history programs, memorial services and related community and educational activities. The unit also sponsors and participates in local and national battle reenactments. The GAR was a fraternal veterans organization founded after the Civil War to provide all veterans of the Union Army with a form for social and political activities and as a focus for debate and reminiscence of their service in the Civil War.