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Wisconsin Veterans Museum
WVM Logo.png
Wisconsin Veterans Museum - Madison, WI - DSC02778.JPG
Established 1901 (1901)
Location 30 W Mifflin Street, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Public transit access Bus interchange Metro Transit

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a special place in Madison, Wisconsin. It's located right near the Capitol building. This museum tells the amazing stories of people from Wisconsin who served in the United States military.

The museum has two main areas, called galleries. These galleries show the history of Wisconsin citizens who served in the U.S. military. You can learn about their service from the American Civil War all the way up to today. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, helping to teach everyone about veterans.

The museum first opened in 1901. Back then, it was called the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall. It was located inside the Wisconsin State Capitol building.

Exploring the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum helps visitors understand the experiences of soldiers. It shows how people from Wisconsin helped protect our country. The museum has many interesting exhibits for you to explore.

The 19th-Century Gallery: Civil War Stories

One part of the museum focuses on the 1800s. This area shows Wisconsin's important role in the American Civil War. You can see how people from Wisconsin fought for what they believed in.

A Giant Battle Scene: The Battle of Antietam

In this gallery, there is a very large diorama. A diorama is like a 3D model that shows a scene. This one shows the Battle of Antietam. It was a very big and important battle during the Civil War. The diorama helps you imagine what it was like to be there.

The 20th-Century Gallery: Modern Conflicts

Another gallery covers the 1900s and beyond. Here, you can learn about Wisconsin veterans who served in many different wars. These include the Mexican Border campaign, World War I, and World War II. You can also learn about the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Persian Gulf.

Real Aircraft on Display

This gallery has some really cool things to see. You can look at three full-sized aircraft!

  • A Sopwith Camel is a type of plane from World War I.
  • A P-51 Mustang is a famous plane from World War II.
  • A Huey helicopter was used a lot during the Vietnam War.

These aircraft help you imagine what it was like for pilots and soldiers.

Honoring Heroes: Medals and Modern Service

The museum also has special exhibits about the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can receive for bravery. There are also exhibits about more recent conflicts, like the War on Terror.

Museum Location and Recognition

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum moved to its current spot in Madison in 1993. It is located at 30 West Mifflin Street. The museum is recognized by important groups. It has been approved by the American Alliance of Museums since the 1970s. In 2014, it became a Smithsonian Affiliate. This means it works with the famous Smithsonian museums.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum - Madison, WI - DSC02778
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum building in Madison, Wisconsin.
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