Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

Our Mission

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. is responsible for one of the only memorials in the United States dedicated solely to all of our military personnel, regardless of their branch of service, status, era or conflict. Our mission is to preserve a lasting tribute to those men and women who unselfishly gave of themselves in serving their country, particularly during the American’s conflicts. Through educational outreach and programs supporting our veterans, we promote the significance of the facility to the community as a living memorial, an educational asset, and cultural treasure. Conceived by the Allegheny County Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall opened its doors in October 1910. Since 2000, we have brought about a rebirth to this aged structure when its trustees took it to nonprofit status. Today, we continue to improve, enhance and create a sustainability program helping us carry our mission into the future.

Our History

Welcome to one of Pittsburgh’s most well-known landmarks and treasures. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum has stood to honor veterans of all branches of service, from all generations and conflicts since 1910.  In 1905, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) a national organization composed of Civil War veterans, conceived the idea for a memorial which would become Soldiers & Sailors. Finished in 1910, “Memorial Hall” was built to recognize the sacrifice, valor and patriotism of Allegheny County Civil War men. Today it honors men and women of Pennsylvania who served the United States military during our country’s history.

A vast collection of artifacts donated over the past 100 years gives Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum a unique platform to interpret American military history by telling stories of individuals who served our country since the Civil War through our current era. Artifacts displayed within hallways of marble, oak and bronze are the genesis for our storytelling – exploring such themes as what American service personnel wore, carried and brought home, allowing visitors to better understand the American military experience in the context of national and world history. The collection is also rich in works of art connected to individuals and their experiences.