D-Day
July 18, 2025 - January 3, 2026
The D-Day exhibit features paintings from master of the historical narrative, Ketih Rocco. Four dioramas show with stunning detail the struggle and strife on the beaches of Normandy. Paired with stories and artifacts of Wisconsin men who survived the D-Day invasions, this exhibit poignantly presents the battles from the perspective of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were there.
Allied forces landed the morning of June 6, 1944 on the coast of Normandy, France. The invasion included air, land, and sea forces from 15 nations including the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. Forever known as D-Day, this pivotal battle turned the course of World War II in favor of the Allies. Wisconsin provided thousands of men and women to the European Theater. Forty-six Wisconsinites were killed in action on D-Day and many more served in the invasion and campaign.
D-Day exhibit vignette in the gallery.
Donald Fisher of Beloit served in the US Navy aboard Patrol Torpedo (PT) boat 503 during the D-Day invasion. Shown are his knife, patch and stencils.
Martin F. Gutekunst of Milwaukee wore these jump boots when he landed with the initial assault on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day. He served as a radioman for a demolition team with the U.S. Navy’s 2nd Beach Battalion
Contents of a medical kit belonging to Madison's Dr. John T. Mendenhall are on view. While serving in the 2nd Beach Battalion, Lieutenant Mendenhall participated in Operation Overlord and set up a hospital in a nearby French town.
Traditions: Stories of Service to Country & Community
On view March 14 - July 6, 2025
The United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps existed before the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776. For 250 years, the armed forces have defended this country and included Wisconsinites since the founding of our state in 1848. Although the military has evolved to encompass new technologies and forms of warfare, the basic mission of national defense remains as it was in 1775.
Uniformed service often defines a veteran’s life, and many continue to serve after leaving the military. Using stories from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum collection, Traditions explores veterans’ service in uniform and afterward and their contributions to our nation and state.
Souvenirs of Service: The Things They Kept
November 2021 - December 2024
This exhibit included items collected from the Civil War era to modern-day. The objects ranged from artillery shells painted in WWI foxholes to Zippo lighters collected during the Vietnam era. More than 400 photographs, taken by our servicemembers during times of war and peace, were enlarged and lined the gallery perimeter. More compelling were the stories that go along with what our friends, relatives, and neighbors have collected and kept.
This exhibit was recognized with an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). In 2024, AASLH conferred 47 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.
A WWI radio operator from Racine brought home a treasured handmade mandolin, crafted for him by a local French woman and designed with the insignia of his division, the famed 32nd “Red Arrow” Division.
A WWII fighter pilot from Janesville credits his never being shot down during his 67 combat missions to a good luck doll a woman gave him while they sheltered during an air raid on London. He kept that doll in his sock drawer until he donated it to the Museum in 2007.
An Eau Claire native who served in World War II sent his wife the nylon parachute that saved his life with instructions to make it into an evening gown for herself.