Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Military History Museum stand as a tribute to Pennsylvania's servicemen and servicewomen whose bravery has safeguarded the freedoms we enjoy. Its mission is to honor their sacrifice and promote a deeper appreciation of veterans, their families, and communities.

Founded by the Grand Army of the Republic in 1906 and dedicated in 1910, the Memorial was built initially to commemorate Civil War veterans of Allegheny County. Inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the structure today honors Pennsylvanians who served in all branches of the U.S. military history.

Located in Oakland's Cultural District, the Memorial is an independent nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors. Nearby landmarks include the Cathedral of Learning, Heinz Chapel, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Designed by Palmer & Hornbostel of New York, with Henry Hornbostel's signature Greco-Roman style, the building features:

• A symmetrical design with colonnaded wings and a 150-foot pyramidal roof
• Exterior of Rhode Island granite and Cleveland Gray sandstone with terra cotta cornices
• Eight Doric columns above the main entrance, topped by winged lions and eagle motifs
• Iconic statues, including "Lady of Victory" by Charles Keck and bronze soldier and sailor sculptures by Frederick C. Hibbard
• Medallions depicting historic coats of arms on window grillwork

The Hall encompasses over 100,000 square feet and includes:

• A 2,400-seat auditorium with a mezzanine balcony, hosting events such as performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Band
• A ballroom seating 500, surrounded by executive offices, meeting spaces, and a research library
• 48 curated exhibits spanning military history from the Civil War to Desert Storm
• Rare paintings and artifacts are displayed throughout public areas

The Memorial was designated a historic Landmark in 1967, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and named a City Historical structure in 1991. The Department of Defense honored it as a "Commemorative Community" in 1993.

The Military History Museum's Library, founded with Civil War donations, now includes materials from other conflicts involving Allegheny County veterans:

• Official Army & Navy records
• MOLLUS volumes and medical histories
• Confederate Veteran and Southern Historical Society Papers
• State troop rosters, including Bates' History of Pennsylvania Volunteers

Archives collection feature:

• GAR post records and reunion publications
• Civil War letters and diaries from regional units
• Thousands of photographs—especially from the Civil War and WWII, with notable materials from WWI, Korea, and Vietnam

Research is available by appointment. Photocopies and photo reproductions are provided for a fee. Remote research services are also offered to out-of-town visitors.