The Gettysburg Pilgrim Club was formed in 1886 after the merger of two Boston area clubs - the Gettysburg Club which was formed in 1883 by Civil War veterans and friends who joined together to acquire favorable rates from railroads, hotels and restaurants, and the Gettysburg Pilgrims, which formed for a trip to Gettysburg in 1885. The club continued until at least 1938, when the last newspaper account of their trip was printed. The group had an annual dinner each year at prominent Boston hotels. The club was led by James H. Cruff, a veteran of the 11th Massachusetts Infantry, who fought at Gettysburg.  For at least 55 years, the club traveled to Gettysburg and lobbied for funds to erect and maintain monuments and battlefields.

Cover of booklet reads, "GETTYSBURG EXCURSION, 1888, GETTYSBURG PILGRIM CLUB, SOUVENIR EDITION". Measures 6" by 7.5". Text contains 34 pages. Content features the group's constitution, information about the battle of Gettysburg and the Massachusetts monuments there, plus details of the group's trip. Cover shows wear and chipping on the edges.

Ivory colored silk ribbon has gold gilt lettering that reads, "GETTYSBURG PILGRIM CLUB / PILGRIMAGE OF 1888". Above lettering is an image of a shepherd’s crook, the symbol of the group. Original pin is on reverse. Shows spotting and a chip on the left side. Measures 2" by 5.5".    [sl]

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