Crossing a Line with the U.S. Navy
Each branch of service in the United States military has its own set of unique traditions, rituals, and ceremonies. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum archives documents many of these through letters in which men and women describe them to their loved ones, photographs that capture the events as they happen, and
A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at the D-Day Exhibit
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is pleased to partner with renowned military artist, Keith Rocco, on the exhibition of his traveling exhibit, D-Day, Omaha Beach. Rocco first collaborated with the museum in 1992, when he was commissioned to paint the murals found in the galleries of the museum in advance
Honoring Thomas J. Lucas on National Airborne Day
August 16, 2025, is National Airborne Day. In celebration, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum would like to honor the story of Thomas “Tom” J. Lucas, who served as a paratrooper in the United States Army in World War II and the Korean War, including participating in a combat jump on D-Day,
D-Day Exhibit features Keith Rocco Paintings
New exhibit pairs paintings with accounts of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were there MADISON, July 10, 2025 — As the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II approaches, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum opens a new exhibit about the pivotal battle that turned the course of the war in
Valdor W. John, Sr on the Battle of Taejon (75th Anniversary)
Seventy-five years ago, the North Korean military invaded South Korea. Here is the story from veteran Valdor W. John, Sr., who fought at the Battle of Taejon and witnessed first-hand the Allied effort to delay the North Korean advance. John became a prisoner of war and then survived the Tiger
U.S. ARMY CELEBRATES 250TH BIRTHDAY IN MADISON
Wisconsin Veterans Museum leads a 250th birthday celebration for the U.S. Army on June 13 and 14 MADISON, May 29, 2025 — Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on June 13 and 14 as we celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. Mark this milestone and honor the true spirit of our
Gay Veterans Reflect on Their Service Experiences
Mary “Maria” E. Hanson-Bailey In recognition of Pride Month, we highlight interviews with two gay soldiers who served in the military before gay people could serve openly. Their experiences are a reminder of how policies changed making the military more inclusive. On September 20, 2011, the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Unique Bonds that Come from Serving Together
The intense experiences of military life often create special bonds among those who serve together. Veterans may refer to their comrades as brothers, sisters, buddies, or family. But in some ways, these descriptors don't quite capture the true nature of these unique relationships. In the following interview excerpts, several veterans
A Succession of U.S. Army Kings
Wisconsin Ties to the Revolutionary War Two hundred fifty years ago, Harvard College student Rufus King (1755-1827) interrupted his legal studies to join the Massachusetts’ militia for service during the Revolutionary War. While King soon determined his aspirations lay in law rather than the military—later becoming a signer of the
IMLS Grants Preserve Delicate Photographs, Improve Public Access
Since the 2017 relocation of most object and archival collections from the museum building downtown Madison to the State Archives Preservation Facility (SAPF) on the eastside of the city, staff have been working to create greater public access to the collections. One of the most approachable ways to improve public