MADISON, February 26, 2025 — On March 13 from 8am-4pm, the media is invited to preview a new exhibit at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Traditions: Stories of Service to Country & Community highlights stories of Wisconsin veterans’ service in uniform and their contributions after service to our nation and state.
Please reserve a time slot for your interview through the media contact listed on this alert. The exhibit opens to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 14 and remains on view through July 6, 2025.
Sample Stories in the Exhibit
Lucius Fairchild of Madison, the three-term10th Governor of Wisconsin began his career of service as a private in the Wisconsin militia in 1858. During the Civil war, as a lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry of the famed Iron Brigade. Fairchild was severely wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and his arm was amputated.
As a civilian, Fairchild continued to serve his state and nation as Wisconsin Secretary of State, Governor of Wisconsin, and in foreign service diplomatic positions in the Hayes and Garfield Administrations. In addition, Fairchild served his fellow veterans as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Civil War veterans and the founders of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.
ON VIEW: Blood-stained vest Fairchild was wearing when he was wounded at Gettysburg
Aimee O’Keefe Kinney of Hudson, this early advocate for women veterans enlisted as a U.S. Army Corps nurse during WWI and served at Base Hospital 50 in France. After the war she was active in the Otis King American Legion Post 50 in Hudson. She was elected post commander in 1936 and became the first women to hold that title in the American Legion organization. ON VIEW: Velvet dress worn at the 1937 National American Legion Convention
More information is available at wisvetsmusuem.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Stevenson
Marketing Specialist, Sr., Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Phone or text: 608.224.9653
Email: jennifer.stevenson@dva.wisconsin.gov