The Wisconsin Veterans Museum, located on Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, is dedicated to the soldiers of the state of Wisconsin.The museum is composed of two award-winning galleries that chronicle the history of Wisconsin citizens who served in their nation's wars from the American Civil War to the Persian Gulf War. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.The museum dates to 1901 when it was established as the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall in the Wisconsin Capitol.DescriptionThe 19th century gallery showcases Wisconsin's involvement in the Civil War. It includes a large diorama depicting the Battle of Antietam.In the 20th century gallery, exhibits illustrate Wisconsin veterans' roles in the Mexican Border campaign, the First and Second World Wars and also the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War and recent conflicts. Three full-scale aircraft, a Sopwith Camel from World War I, a P-51 Mustang from World War II and a Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War, are displayed in the gallery as well. New additions include Medal of Honor and War on Terror exhibits.Located at 30 West Mifflin Street in Madison since 1993, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an award-winning and world-renowned museum. It has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since the 1970s and became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2014.
"Every veteran is a story.The Wisconsin Veterans Museum arose from the desire of Wisconsin’s Civil War veterans to preserve the legacy of their accomplishments and the memory of their fallen comrades. In 1901, the Grand Army of the Republic GAR Memorial Hall opened in the state capitol building to fulfill the mandate of Chapter 125, which required state officials establish a memorial hall to commemorate Wisconsin’s role in the Civil War and any subsequent wars.In 1945, control of the GAR Memorial Hall was transferred to the newly created WI Dept of Veterans Affairs, as an educational activity of the department. In 1991, WVM opened at its current location to better tell the stories of WI veterans from the Civil War to present day."
