GAR Museum

Help Us Preserve History

Join Our Mission to Acquire Lt. Ezra S. Griffin's Civil War Ceremonial Sword

Be part of an extraordinary opportunity to enrich our collection with a unique piece of Civil War history. Your support is crucial in securing this ceremonial sword for future generations.

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700,000 dead, missing or maimed.

  • World War One? No.

  • World War Two? No

  • Korea? Vietnam? Desert Storm?

  • None of those.

More American died in the US Civil War 1861-1865 than in all wars in our history.

One of those Union soldiers who gave the “last full measure of devotion” was from Providence (now, North Scranton) then a separate village existing before even Scranton or Lackawanna County.

Ezra Griffin joined the Union Army responding to Abraham Lincoln’s call for volunteers. He fought in Gettysburg and at the Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia in the waning days of this national trauma. Wounds suffered there claimed his life. He was just 26.

The Sons of Union Veterans Post #8 based at the GAR Civil War Museum in the Marketplace at Steamtown Mall is named for him.

Over the years a sword belonging to Lt. Griffin separated from the Museum.

NOW it has been found and the GAR Memorial Association is raising funds to return this historic and cultural artifact to its PROPER home.

We are asking for your most generous help by contributing the last few dollars needed to return this sword.

Lt. Ezra S. Griffin
Sword

The Significance of the Ceremonial Sword

The sword, scabbard, belt, and sash would help the members of The GAR Memorial Association and its partner organization Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp #8, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War continue to honor the memory of our “Boys in Blue” who served during the American Civil War. The museum, currently located on the second floor of The Marketplace at Steamtown, houses artifacts donated to the GAR post by the men who served along with numerous volumes of books about the American Civil War.

Mail Your Donation

You may mail a contribution of any amount you deem to:

GAR MEMORIAL ASSN.

PO Box 222

Marketplace at Steamtown

Scranton, PA 18503

Drop It Off In Person

2nd floor of the Mall near Crunch fitness and visit the Museum and its artifacts

GAR MEMORIAL ASSN.

PO Box 222, Marketplace at Steamtown

Scranton, PA 18503

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Donate Today

Support Our Acquisition Effort

The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Association of Scranton needs your help returning a long-sought artifact to the Association’s museum.  The Association is the legal successor to the Grand Army of the Republic Post 139 named after Lt. Ezra S. Griffin. Lt Griffin served in Company “E” of the famed 143rd Pennsylvania and was present in Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor & Petersburg. Lt. Griffin was wounded at the siege of Petersburg, Virginia on June 18, 1864, and he died at the age of 29 on July 11, 1864, in Annapolis, Maryland due to complications from his injury. 

How you can help power our mission:

  1. Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.
  2. Share: Share our campaign with your friends, and family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.
  3. Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.