• Book Talk with Mark Faultersack

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Please join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for a book talk with Mark Faultersack as he discusses his newest work about his father, who served in the Coast Guard from 1942 until 1945. Mark has published his World War ll journal and preserved many photos, sketches and artifacts from that time on the USCG Cutters Sea Cloud and Evergreen. This includes the original 150 foot long roll of sonar paper, on which the book's content was handwritten while aboard ship. REGISTER HERE This event is suitable for all ages. Event sponsored by The Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the foundation in memory of Pat Finley.

  • On, Wisconsin! Tailgate

    Camp Randall Memorial Park 1440 Monroe St, Madison, WI, United States

    Join us for our annual 'Salute to Veterans Tailgate' on Saturday, November 16, when the @UW Badgers host the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium. The Tailgate will be located at Camp Randall Memorial Park, east of Camp Randall, across the street from the Kwik Trip. Look for a big red and white striped tent. The starting time is TBA as the game time kick-off has yet to be announced.

  • Mess Night at the Museum

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    This event is SOLD OUT. "A Troop, 1-105th CAV 2009 Security Mission in Iraq" Thursday, November 21, 2024 5:30 PM – 8 PM Please join us for our quarterly dinner series with senior leaders from the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Troop A, 1-105th Cavalry Squadron. CSM (Retired) Curt Patrouille, CSM (Retired) Brian Bieniek, and LTC Matthew McDonald will provide an overview of A Troop's very unique mission throughout Iraq in 2009-2010. The unit conducted over 900 high risk force protection missions in preparation for the handover of authority from the US to the Iraqi government and received some of the highest accolades from senior federal officials over the course of the year. Each MESS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM features a guest speaker, topic, dinner, drinks, and time to socialize before and after the talk. Registration will be required before the event. Join us as we transform this historic naval tradition into our own. • 5:30-6:15 - Happy Hour • 6:15-7:00 - Dinner • 7:00-8:00 - Presentation This event is suitable for all ages. $50 MEMBERS | $58 NON-MEMBERS | Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation through the generous support of our 2024 Mess Night Series Sponsor Melinda V. Heinritz in memory of her father, James L. Vogler, U.S.A.F. and supporting sponsor Park Bank.  

  • Book Talk with Mark D. Van Ells

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Please join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for a book talk with author Mark D. Van Ells as he discusses his newest work about the Red Arrow Division and the crucial role it played for the Allied Forces in World War II. Discover how this National Guard unit with roots in the American Midwest became on of the most effective – and most battle-tested – combat units in the Pacific, eventually logging more combat hours than any other US Army division during the war.  REGISTER HERE This event is suitable for all ages. Event sponsored by The Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the foundation in memory of Pat Finley.

  • Trivia Night

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Join us for our virtual Trivia Night and test your historical knowledge. Individuals and teams welcome. Please RSVP to the event HERE. You will receive the Zoom link to the event via email. Please add the event to your calendar. Event sponsored by The Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the Foundation in memory of Pat Finley.

  • Movie Discussion Night – The Hunt for Red October (1990)

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair and join us for a virtual discussion of the selected movie with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff. For January, we will discuss the 1990 Cold War film The Hunt for Red October. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services (we will not be watching the movie the night of the program). On January 31, 2025, at 7:00 pm we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. REGISTER HERE This event is free and open to the public. Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the Foundation in memory of General Albert Wilkening.

  • Feast of Crispian Presents Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    Come join Feast of Crispian for an afternoon of one-of-a-kind stories told by American Service Veterans - a kind of community campfire story circle, with a little taste of Shakespeare thrown in for good measure. Shared by veterans of six decades of American military conflict and peacetime service, Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot is a gathering of stories that centers on the kinds of surprising, wacky, touching, and absurdly funny moments and events that happen in the spaces before, between and beyond the combat zone and the complicated and triumphant journeys back from war to healing and civilian life. Admission is free. Seating is limited to 40. Please RSVP here.

  • Movie Discussion Night – Master and Commander (2003)

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair and join us for a virtual discussion of the selected movie with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff. For March, we will discuss the 2003 film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services (we will not be watching the movie the night of the program). On March 28, 2025, at 7:00 pm we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here. Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the Foundation in memory of General Albert Wilkening.

  • Two Lights for Tomorrow Ceremony at the State Capitol

    Wisconsin State Capitol 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI, United States

    The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the Wisconsin Historical Society, is hosting a Two Lights for Tomorrow ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Monday, April 14 at noon. This event is the kickoff of a week long commemoration recognized in the 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 17. This event honors the 250th anniversary of events that sparked the War for Independence outside Boston in April of 1775, which are immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” with the famous line about “One if by land, two if by sea.”

  • Mess Night

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    SORRY - SOLD OUT Join Vietnam Huey pilot, Richard Berry, as he discusses his experiences during the Vietnam War. Mr. Berry will use the numerous photos he took during his tour and data from his flight records to describe 1st Cavalry Division airmobile operations and air assault tactics employed during the Vietnam War. This presentation will not only focus on Mr. Berry's experiences but will also recognize the service of the many crew chiefs, door gunners, and pilots who operated Army helicopters during the war. Each MESS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM features a guest speaker, topic, dinner, drinks, and time to socialize before and after the talk. Registration will be required before the event. Join us as we transform this historic naval tradition into our own. 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm 5:30-6:15 - Happy Hour 6:15-7:00 - Dinner 7:00-8:00 - Presentation Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation through the generous support of our 2025 Mess Night Series Sponsor Generac.

  • Brownie’s Bark in the Park

    Wisconsin Veterans Home at King N 2665 County Rd QQ, King, WI

    The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King and Kelly Nelson, author of Brownie the War Dog, will host 'Brownie’s Bark in the Park' on Friday, May 2. After telling Brownie’s remarkable story in her book, Nelson led the fundraising effort to create a statue in his honor and have it placed on the King campus. Made possible by donations from local businesses and individuals, the event will unveil the statue and celebrate the community’s dedication to “a veteran’s best friend” Brownie. The event is free and open to the public.

  • Movie Discussion Night – A Few Good Men (1992)

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair and join us for a virtual discussion of the selected movie with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff. For May, we will discuss the 1992 film A Few Good Men. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services (we will not be watching the movie the night of the program). On May 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here. Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the Foundation in memory of General Albert Wilkening.

  • U.S. Army Birthday Celebration at the State Capitol Rotunda

    Wisconsin State Capitol 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI, United States

    Since 1775, the U.S. Army has defended our nation. Join us on June 13th and 14th as we celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. These historic events will honor the sacrifices, achievements, and true spirit of American warriors. Mark the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army at the Wisconsin State Capitol with remarks from public officials, a cake cutting ceremony, and appearances by the Wisconsin Army National Guard color guard and band. This event is free and open to the public.  

  • Book Talk with James Marten

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    In The Sixth Wisconsin and the Long Civil War, historian James Marten reimagines one of the oldest genres of Civil War history, using the deeply personal stories of the regiment’s 2,000 men to explore not just the war itself, but its long aftermath. Drawing on an extraordinary wealth of letters, diaries, and records, Marten reveals how these soldiers—along with their families and communities—struggled with the physical and emotional scars of war, long after the battles ended. REGISTER HERE This event is suitable for all ages. Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the foundation in memory of General Albert Wilkening.

  • Mess Night at the Museum

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    SOLD OUT "Service in the U.S. Navy Reserve Nurse & Medical Corps During OIF/OEF at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany" Thursday, June 26, 2025 5:30 PM – 8 PM Join Commander Lisa Kromanaker Registered Nurse (RN) and Commander Kathy Vrydaghs Physical Therapist (PT) and learn about their 2006/2007 Deployment to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) Germany in support of OIF/OEF. During this time, they cared for US and allied forces wounded warriors flown to LRMC directly from the war theatres in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each MESS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM features a guest speaker, topic, dinner, drinks, and time to socialize before and after the talk. Registration will be required before the event. Join us as we transform this historic naval tradition into our own. 5:30-6:15 - Happy Hour 6:15-7:00 - Dinner 7:00-8:00 - Presentation $50 MEMBERS | $58 NON-MEMBERS Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation through the generous support of our 2025 Mess Night Series Sponsor Generac Power Systems.

  • 21st Annual WVMF Golf Outing, Sponsored by U.S. Vet General Contracting LLC

    The Oaks Golf Course 4740 Pierceville Rd, Cottage Grove, WI

    The 21st Annual Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation Golf Outing, sponsored by U.S. Vet General Contracting LLC, is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025. The event will take place from 9 AM - 5:30 PM at the beautiful course at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove. Registration includes green fees, a cart with GPS, range balls, tee gifts, lunch, dinner and reception following golf. Competitors will be divided into two separate divisions, allowing contestants the opportunity to compete with individuals in their own age group. Division one will be made up of contestants under 65 years of age. Division two will be contestants ages 65 and older. Winners in both divisions will receive prizes. All proceeds from this event support educational programs and exhibits at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.   Registration is closed.   Thank you to our current 2025 sponsors! Major Event Sponsor: Additional Sponsors                                                    Individual & Hero Sponsors: Bill Hustad Cheryl Heiliger In Loving Memory of COL Donald L. Heiliger, USAF Dave Shaw Fred & Ginny McCormick Lewis B. Harned, M.D. Madison History Roundtable Matt Meyer *We are still seeking sponsorships!* To learn more about our sponsor packages or other opportunities, click here.  

  • Movie Discussion Night – Independence Day (1996)

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair and join us for a virtual discussion of the selected movie with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff. For July, we will discuss the 1996 film Independence Day. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services (we will not be watching the movie the night of the program). On July 25, 2025, at 7:00 pm we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here. Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the Foundation in memory of General Albert Wilkening.

  • “Just Like Me: The Vietnam War/The American War” Film Screening

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    The film, "Just Like Me: The Vietnam War/The American War" follows Vietnam Veteran and Filmmaker Ron Osgood on his quest to recover fragmented and buried stories from all sides of the Vietnam War/American War, revealing multiple perspectives that are thematically interconnected.

  • Book Talk with Michael Sullivan – The Congdon Brothers and Significant Others: Their Civil War Times

    Online WI, United States

    Join us for an afternoon talk with Wisconsin author Michael Sullivan, who will be speaking about his book, “The Congdon Brothers and Significant Others: Their Civil War Times.” Michael’s painstaking research explores the lives of three brothers from Palmyra, WI who enlisted in the Union Army and became combat soldiers in the Civil War. This virtual event is available for all ages through the link below: RSVP Link

  • Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours – Candlelit and Daytime Tours

    Forest Hill Cemetery 1 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI, United States

    Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for our 27th annual Talking Spirits: Forest Hill Cemetery Tours, taking place during the week of September 29 – October 5 at Forest Hill Cemetery. These 90-minute walking tours will feature 4 vignettes along the tour route, as historical actors retell some the stories from this unique era of American history Candlelit tours will be the evening of Oct. 4 and public day-time tours will be given on Oct. 5 Saturday candlelit tours are sold out.  

    $15.00
  • Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours – Candlelit and Daytime Tours

    Forest Hill Cemetery 1 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI, United States

    join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for our 27th annual Talking Spirits: Forest Hill Cemetery Tours, taking place during the week of September 29 – October 5 at Forest Hill Cemetery. These 90-minute walking tours will feature 4 vignettes along the tour route, as historical actors retell some the stories from this unique era of American history Candlelit tours will be the evening of Oct. 4 and public day-time tours will be given on Oct. 5 Purchase tickets here  

    $15.00
  • Science on the Square

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is proud to be a stop on the Science on the Square event brought to you by The Wisconsin Science Festival and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District. Join us in downtown Madison between 5 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, for fun for all ages! For more information about participating businesses and science experiences, visit the web page link below for details on all the stops.

  • America@250: The American Revolution Sneak Peek & Panel

    Al Ringling Theatre 136 4th Ave, Baraboo, United States

    As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, join PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for an evening of community and reflection. The night will include a special preview screening of the all-new documentary series THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt; the premiere of two new episodes of The Look Back produced by PBS Wisconsin Education; and a panel conversation exploring themes and untold perspectives related to the Revolutionary War era.

  • Decolonization, the Algerian War, and the Making of Modern Counterinsurgency

    Fluno Center -- Howard Auditorium 601 University Ave, Madison, WI, United States

    The Algerian War was a pivotal event in the global struggle for decolonization. In this discussion of his new book, Terrence G. Peterson highlights how the conflict also helped to transform the nature of modern warfare. As the French Army attempted to counter the struggle for Algerian independence, it fashioned a radical project of armed social reform that sought not to preserve colonial rule unchanged, but to refashion it for the Cold War era. As Peterson will make clear, French officers' efforts not only shaped how the Algerian War unfolded from its earliest months, but also helped to forge the paradigm of "modern" warfare that has so often dominated strategic thinking since: counterinsurgency. Presenter: Terrence G. Peterson, Associate Professor of History, Florida International University Sponsoring Organizations: War in Society and Culture Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of History, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin Veterans Museum A reception will follow Professor Peterson's lecture in the Atrium adjacent to Howard Auditorium.

  • Movie Discussion Night – Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair and join us for a virtual discussion of the selected movie with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff. For October, we will discuss the 2024 film Edge of Tomorrow. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services (we will not be watching the movie the night of the program). On October 31st, 2025, at 7:00 pm we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. This event is free and open to the public. Register here.

  • Convoy Speaker Series: Checkpoint Rock County

    Beloit Club 2327 Riverside Drive, Beloit, WI, United States

    Honoring Service. Inspiring Community. This fall, we are proud to present the 2025 Convoy Speaker Series in partnership with Rock County—an event designed to honor Wisconsin’s veterans, connect our community, and share stories of courage and sacrifice. 📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 📍 The Beloit Club – Beloit, WI Featuring Keynote Speaker Major General (Ret.) Marcia Anderson A Beloit native, MG (Ret.) Anderson made history as the first African American woman to achieve the rank of major general in the U.S. Army. Her distinguished career, spanning nearly four decades (1979–2016), is a story of perseverance, excellence, and trailblazing leadership. In her keynote address, MG (Ret.) Anderson will reflect on her journey, her family’s military tradition, and the lessons of resilience and leadership that continue to inspire. Event Schedule 10:00 AM– VIP Reception & Meet-and-Greet 11:45 AM– Lunch Service 1:00 PM– Keynote Address by MG (Ret.) Marcia Anderson An expected 200 guests will attend, including veterans, community leaders, military officers, and business professionals. Support the Convoy Speaker Series We invite you to join us in honoring our veterans by supporting this important event. Your sponsorship ensures that the powerful stories of Wisconsin’s veterans are preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come. A big thank you to our current 2025 event sponsors! Four-Star Sponsors: ABC Supply, Blain Supply, JP Cullen, The Morse Group, Rock Road Companies Three-Star Sponsors: Ceroni Piping Company, Fairbanks Morse, Liz & Dennis Hansch, Lycon Inc., Nelson Young Lumber, Mid-State Concrete Industries, Westphal Two-Star Sponsors: Angus Young Architects, Mark & Carol Cullen, Dave & Christina Heiliger, Edgewood University Military & Veteran Services, DeGarmo Plumbing One-Star Sponsors: Angus Young Architects, County Materials Corporation, First National Bank & Trust Company, North American Mechanical Inc., Oakleigh & Tobin Ryan, and Peter Skelley  

  • THE FOE AND THE FALLEN Stories from The Greatest War Featuring THE KISSERS

    Barrymore Theater 2090 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI, United States

    The Wisconsin Veterans Museum assisted The Kissers with content from the museum collection and stories of our veterans for their album and upcoming “rock and roll history show.” Based on the music of the award-winning album The Foe and the Fallen: Songs from The Greatest War (The Kissers, 2024), this multimedia “rock and roll history show” celebrates the lives of everyday Wisconsinites who lived during one of our nation’s most extraordinary times. They each did their bit in different ways. They served, they worked, they resisted; and did so with a passion and resilience that resonates still today. This performance is a redux version of The Greatest War: World War One, Wisconsin, and Why It Still Matters which debuted in 2018 to a sold out audience at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin.

    $35
  • Mess Night at the Museum

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    “Survivor's Story: George F. Banda's Heroic Service with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam” Thursday, November 13, 2025 5:30 PM – 8 PM George F. Banda was drafted in January 1969 and served as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, E Company, Recon Platoon. Deployed to Vietnam in December 1969, he endured some of the conflict's most harrowing moments. On May 6, 1970, Banda became the sole survivor of his unit following the devastating bombing of Firebase Henderson. At Mess Night, he will share his powerful story of service, sacrifice, and resilience. 5:30-6:15 - Happy Hour 6:15-7:00 - Dinner 7:00-8:00 - Presentation $50 MEMBERS | $58 NON-MEMBERS  This event is sold out! Each MESS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM features a guest speaker, topic, dinner, drinks, and time to socialize before and after the talk. Registration will be required before the event. Join us as we transform this historic naval tradition into our own. Event suitable for all ages. Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation through the generous support of our 2025 Mess Night Series Sponsor Generac Power Systems.

  • Film Screening – The 32nd Infantry Division’s Nightmare: The Battle of Buna

    Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, United States

    Join the waitlist for tickets. The event is sold out, but we can notify you if a ticket becomes available. Follow the registration link below to be added to the list.  Please join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for the film screening of the 32nd Infantry Division's Nightmare: The Battle of Buna. The U.S. Army's return to the offensive in the Pacific Theater occurred at the Battle of Buna. On that battlefield in New Guinea from 16 November 1942 until 22 January 1943, the untested 32nd Infantry Division fought alongside elements of the Australian Army's 7th Division against well-prepared elements of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. A nightmare unfolded for the histories retrace the experiences of the soldiers of 32 ID from its Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard origins, to Pearl Harbor, to training for war, and then to the battlefield. This is an in-person event and tickets are free but limited. Registration is required. Tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-the-32nd-infantry-divisions-nightmare-the-battle-of-buna-tickets-1858240119219

  • Book Talk with Joshua Shores

    Virtual

    Author and veteran Joshua Shores discusses his work, "Counting On Death: A Marine Infantryman’s Journey from the Frontlines of Combat to the Fight for Peace."

    Free
  • Movie Discussion Night – Rough Riders (1997)

    Online WI, United States
    Virtual Event

    Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair and join us for a virtual discussion of the selected movie with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services (we will not be watching the movie the night of the program). On March 27,  we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. This event is free and open to the public. You must register in advance here. Age Appropriate: This film may not be suitable for all ages as it depicts battle sequences, mild language, and alcohol and tobacco depictions.