As the title suggests, I recently inherited 15 Civil War era letters from my grandmother. I contacted the local university about helping me out, but they were only interested in getting me to donate them to their archives. I am looking for someone to let me know what my options are in terms of getting them transcribed and caring for them. Thank you for your time and help!
EDIT: Here are some pictures http://imgur.com/a/drPt5
I would read through the letters (if possible, I know old letters like that can have atrocious handwriting) and see if there is a common theme to them. From there, see if there are public collections out there that might benefit from them.
For example, if the letters were written by someone who lived in Maryland during the Civil War, you could potentially donate them to the Maryland Historical Society.
So do a little research, I'm sure you'll find them a good home!
Pics? We'd all love to see them.
Ask the Smithsonian. Ask more universities. Ask museums.