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
Royal Oak Program
Westminster Abbey, A Place for Royal Celebration
05/07/2012
Westminster Abbey is an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries steeped in more than a thousand years of history. In addition to its stunning architecture, the Abbey is a treasure house of paintings, stained glass, monuments, textiles, and other artifacts. Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every coronation since 1066 and the site of 16 royal weddings. The Abbey is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs as well as notable statesmen and philanthropists; soldiers and explorers; scientists including Isaac Newtown and Charles Darwin; musicians including Handel; actors including Laurence Olivier - and many more.
Program at 6:30pm.
Price: $20.00; Complimentary to Pepper Patrons
Program and dinner with wine: $70.00 inclusive; $50.00 inclusive for Pepper Patrons.
Open to League members and guests.
For reservations, please contact Beth DeGeorge at 215-587-5594 or library@unionleague.org.
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.