Wisconsin Veterans Museum facts for kids
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Established | 1901 |
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Location | 30 W Mifflin Street, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
Public transit access | ![]() |
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is in Madison, Wisconsin. It is located right on Capitol Square. This museum shares the amazing stories of people from Wisconsin who served in the U.S. military.
The museum has two main areas, called galleries. These galleries show the history of Wisconsin citizens who served in the military. They cover conflicts from the American Civil War all the way up to today. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. It helps teach people about military history.
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.
Contents
Exploring Wisconsin's Military History
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum helps visitors understand the experiences of soldiers. It shows how people from Wisconsin have contributed to the nation's defense.
The 19th Century: Civil War Stories
One gallery focuses on the 1800s. It highlights Wisconsin's part in the American Civil War. You can see a large diorama here. A diorama is a 3D model that shows a scene. This one shows the Battle of Antietam, a very important Civil War battle.
The 20th Century and Beyond: Modern Conflicts
The other gallery covers the 1900s and more recent times. It shows the roles of Wisconsin veterans in many conflicts. These include the Mexican Border campaign, the First World War, and the Second World War. You can also learn about the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. More recent conflicts are also featured.
Iconic Aircraft on Display
This gallery also has three real, full-size aircraft! There is a Sopwith Camel from World War I. You can also see a P-51 Mustang from World War II. A Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War is also on display. The museum also has exhibits about the Medal of Honor and the War on Terror.
Museum Location and Recognition
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum moved to its current spot in Madison in 1993. It is at 30 West Mifflin Street. The museum has been recognized by the American Alliance of Museums since the 1970s. This means it meets high standards for museums. In 2014, it became a Smithsonian Affiliate. This connects it to the famous Smithsonian museums.
The museum received money for a new building in August 2024.