What we know today as "the Vietnam War" was actually part of a broader series of conflicts over three decades that emerged in French Indochina after World War II. Increasing United States involvement over the years culminated in a major war from 1965 to 1973 - the effects of which are still felt today.  Join Museum Director Chris Kolakowski and Curator of History Kevin Hampton as they explore this story, from the surrender of Japan to the Fall of Saigon.  REGISTER

It looks like we will all be staying home this year for the Holiday Season so what better way to share festive tidings of cheer than to create some homemade greetings? Join us for a special Holiday Drink & Draw where we will sip eggnog and make things merry and bright. At the end of the night we will offer recommendations for sending some cheer to our men and women serving in our military. No experience is necessary. Gather your supplies, pour yourself a beverage, and bring your artistic energy as we spend the evening together stretching our creative muscles. This event is free of charge and open to anyone who registers. This event is presented by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation. This event is suitable for all ages. You can find the images we’ll use here: https://wisvetsmuseum.com/blog/december-virtual-drink-draw/ REGISTER HERE  

While it’s true that “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” those on military deployments don’t always get to experience that enjoyment for the holiday season. For some, the holidays are like any other day on deployment, while others are able to find some sense of normalcy amidst whatever traditions they can keep while away from home. Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff as they share their favorite stories from the collection about the holidays during deployment. This event is sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation and is suitable for all ages.  

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Oral Historian Luke Sprague teaches a course on how to use PastPerfect 5.0 for cataloging oral histories. REGISTER HERE

In this lecture, World War I historian Dr. Edward Lengel looks at the exploits of the Red Arrow Division in World War I, emphasizing what the war was like from the perspective of the men who fought it. The 32nd ‘Red Arrow’ Division, based on the Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard, was one of the premiere fighting units of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I.   It was one of the first American divisions to see combat in the summer of 1918, and developed a sterling reputation in battles that climaxed in August at the shell-torn French village of Fismes. In October, the division was deployed to the toughest and most important part of the lines in the gigantic Meuse-Argonne offensive, eventually cracking the central German stronghold at the Heights of Cunel and Romagne and so assuring eventual American victory. REGISTER HERE

Tune in for a Curator Conversation with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Kevin Maurer. He’ll be talking about his latest book, Rock Force, a play-by-play of the ten days it took for U.S. troops to win back Corregidor. The story transports readers back to the heady days of WWII and into the fire with a tough-as-nails regiment of Army paratrooper working together to pull off the impossible. This event is free and presented by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation. REGISTER HERE

Grab some popcorn and a seat in your favorite chair, and join us for a Movie Night and Virtual Discussion with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Staff. While we can’t all be together, we can share discussion on major motion pictures that deal with the hardships, humor, and horrors of combat. For our first Movie Night Discussion of the 2021, we’ll start with the dark humor masterpiece from Stanley Kubrick, Dr. Strangelove or How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. This cult classic tells the story of an insane general bent on starting a nuclear war and the bizarre war room of politicians and generals trying to stop him. The star-studded cast includes Peter Sellers (playing 3 different roles), George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens, and James Earl Jones. Your mission is to watch the movie, which is available from most libraries or on streaming services, while thinking about the discussion questions we will provide you. On January 29th, at 7:00 pm we’ll all meet via Zoom for a discussion led by museum staff. We will cover themes such as conflict, politics, pop culture, the military, and movie-making. REGISTER HERE