Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc.

One of Pittsburgh’s oldest and best known historical landmarks, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is also one of the nation’s few military museums dedicated to honoring the men and women of all branches of service, and in all capacities (Active, Reserve, Guard). The concept for Soldiers & Sailors grew from an idea in 1891 when a committee of Allegheny County veterans organizations proposed the erection of a memorial honoring soldiers, sailors and marines from Allegheny County who had served in the Army and Navy of the United States in the war "for the suppression of the rebellion". A referendum was passed by county voters in 1905 to fund the project. The architectural firm of Hornbostel and Palmer was selected to design the Memorial, with Hornbostel employing a design inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Construction started in 1908 and the Memorial opened in 1910. Soldiers & Sailors served as a gathering place for many Civil War veteran groups. In 1998, the Trust was established to maintain the Memorial, operate the Museum, and create educational programs as a nonprofit organization. The Museum, that has exhibits covering all of America’s conflicts, offers a unique look into American history by telling the stories of the individuals that served our country through military equipment and personal mementos. Within this stately structure, there is also a concert hall that seats 2300 guests, a classically elegant ballroom, The Gettysburg Room dedicated to the Civil War and the Hall of Valor which pays tribute to American heroes.