Civilian Public Service
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
During World War II, some 12,000 men who were classified as conscientious objectors to war -- about fifteen percent of them from Pennsylvania -- served in non-military occupations across the United States. Under the leadership of Mennonite, Quaker, and Church of the Brethren agencies, they were engaged in mental health care and medical experiments, in forestry and on dairy farms, and in other important civic projects.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
During World War II, roughly 12,000 men who refused to bear arms on grounds of conscience served their country in a different way through the Civilian Public Service program. About one in seven came from Pennsylvania, drawing on the state's deep Quaker, Mennonite, and Church of the Brethren traditions of pacifism. Rather than fight, they staffed mental hospitals, volunteered for medical experiments, fought fires, and labored on farms and in forests.
Why it matters
Civilian Public Service tested how a democracy at total war honors freedom of conscience, and its workers helped spark lasting reforms in American mental-health care.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.9 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- The Universal Sphere0.3 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.3 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Philly Gun Range0.7 mi away · North Percy Street
- President's House0.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King0.7 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.7 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.8 mi away
- Dunkin'0.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar0.8 mi away
Places to stay
- The Notary Hotel0.3 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.3 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.3 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.3 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.3 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related events
- · Civilian Public Service program
Themes & tags
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