The La Crosse Light Guard Flag
When the Civil War began and President Lincoln called for volunteers in April 1861, Wisconsin’s volunteer militia companies answered the call. Among the first to offer their services to Wisconsin’s Governor Alexander Randall, the La Crosse Light Guard marched into Madison under a beautiful white silk flag made for them
The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – June 1917
June 3rd [1917] Dear Folks:- Another week gone by. Soon it will be time to split up into the different branches and have to work harder than ever. Before I forget it, I want to broach a subject which may make you very angry, and if it does let me
The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – May 1917
May 15, 1917 Dear Folks- Reached here this A.M. and went right to work. We are almost settled now, in the new barracks. Please send me some Bath Towels and some face towels – old ones preferably and when you send my laundry – don’t send any pajamas. Address me-
A Shared Experience
Written By: Andrea Hoffman, Collections Manager While there are numerous reasons Wisconsin residents have joined the military over the last 150 years—each generation met with unique historical events and changing social expectations—serving one’s country has also been a shared experience within families. Whether a parent and child, siblings, or spouses,
Remembering Pearl Harbor The Story of Herbert “Herb” Buehl
By Jenna Madsen, Wisconsin Veterans Museum Assistant Curator Herbert “Herb” Buehl from Monroe, Wisconsin was in the Navy aboard the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Herb served as an electrician in power distribution on the Arizona. His post was at the bottom of the center of the ship
Talking Spirits Cemetery Tour XVII Recap
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum would like to share the thank you cards from Ms. Alt’s 5th Grade class at Huegel Elementary (Madison) for the Talking Spirits Cemetery Tour XVII at Forest Hill Cemetery. We look forward to seeing more classes this October 4th-7th for Talking Spirits Cemetery Tour XVIII! Thank you to
The Army Olympian: Carleton L. Brosius
By Russ Horton, Reference Archivist Wisconsin has a long and proud Olympic tradition—one that is often associated with the Winter Games. Athletes from the Badger State like Bonnie Blair, Eric Heiden, Dan Jansen, Mark Johnson, and others gained fame in speed skating and ice hockey. But ninety-six years ago, four
Mexican Expedition
By Russ Horton, Reference Archivist. One hundred years ago today, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the mobilization of the Wisconsin National Guard for military service. However, he did not send them to Europe, where a World War raged. Instead, he sent them to Texas to protect our border. While their service