The Sir John Templeton Heritage Center is a celebration of the rich history, heritage and traditions of a truly unique American institution, The Union League of Philadelphia. The “League” was founded to suppress the rebellion of the American Civil War and to preserve the Union. During the Civil War and post-war reconstruction, the League was one of the most influential organizations of the North. From its founding to the present, the League has been a leading civic organization and has played an important role in the history of our country and the City of Philadelphia. The Heritage Center was created so that this history can be shared, and so that the League’s charitable activities can become more effective.
Upcoming Events
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Philadelphia 1862: A City at War Exhibit Opening
03/29/2012
04/04/2012
04/12/2012
04/17/2012
Tours begin at 6:00 pm
Please join us for a short presentation and tour of the new exhibit, Philadelphia 1962: A City at War, in The Dr. Russell P. Heuer Room at The Sir John Templeton Heritage Center.
Tours begin at 6:00 pm.
No reservations required.
Collection Highlights
Lincoln Handkerchief
Political campaign handkerchief from the 1860 American presidential election, promoting candidates Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin. In modern terms, campaign handkerchiefs were the 19th century version of bumper stickers today.
The Tanner Manuscript
Early on the morning of April 15, 1865, Corporal James Tanner recorded eyewitness testimony of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. This hand-written document is the only copy of that account.