Ever since the Union League occupied its first clubhouse in 1863, it has endeavored to be a place of cultural and intellectual vigor. Over the years, it has amassed three wonderful collections—art, archival materials and an extensive library. In addition, the Abraham Lincoln Foundation is the steward of several important collections. The League makes these historical resources available to the public by appointment. To make an appointment, contact James Mundy at 215.587.5592 or email mundyj@unionleague.org.
The Union League’s Art Collection
The Union League’s collection of art includes many important paintings, bronzes and other works. Highlights include portraits of two American presidents. Thomas Sully’s portrait of George Washington is the first painting the League ever purchased. The collection also includes the League’s first commissioned painting, a life-portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Edward D. Marchant, as well as two bronze life masks made of Lincoln in 1860 and 1865. Browse artwork in the Gallery below
The Archives
Highlights of the League’s archival collections include one of only 24 known copies of the 1864 Leland-Boker “authorized edition” of the Emancipation Proclamation. The League holds the only copy of the Tanner Manuscript, Corporal John Tanner’s handwritten report of eyewitness testimony of Lincoln’s assassination, recorded early on the morning of April 15, 1865. The archives also include the only known piece remaining of Lincoln’s undershirt. Six pieces were cut and given to the six soldiers who carried Lincoln’s body from the Peterson House where he died to the White House.
The Library
The Union League’s library’s largest and most important collection is the Civil War collection, which includes more than 3,000 titles on every subject related to that great conflict, due to which the Union League was founded.
Abraham Lincoln Foundation Collections
The Abraham Lincoln Foundation is currently the steward of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and Daughters of the Loyal Legion of the United States archives, and The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, which are currently being catalogued at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. In 2013, they will be brought to Sir John Templeton Heritage Center after the completion of the high density collection storage.
