Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Smithsonian Lecture in Madison - The National Native American Veterans Memorial: Honoring the Military Service of Native Americans
2026-06-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Fluno Center — Howard Auditorium, 601 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53715, United States
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is pleased to present a special lecture: The National Native American Veterans Memorial: Honoring the Military Service of Native Americans by Rachelle B. Pablo (Diné), Museum Specialist with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. She will discuss the making of the National Native American Veterans Memorial that opened on November 11, 2020, in Washington D.C. and the enduring legacy of Indigenous military service.
Please register in advance HERE.
This tribute to Native heroes at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian recognizes for the first time on a national scale the distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the US military. Simple and powerful, timeless and inclusive, the memorial creates an interactive yet intimate space for gathering, remembrance, reflection, and healing. It welcomes and honors Native American veterans and their families, and educates the public about their extraordinary contributions.
This lecture at the Fluno Center – Howard Auditorium on the UW-Madison Campus is free and part of the Making History, Making Change Lecture Series. It is organized by Smithsonian Affiliations as part of the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250. It is supported in part by the Dreier Family, Johanna and Ken Kim Family, Vaishali Shah Chadha and Family, and Michael Vu & Meridel Bulle-Vu.

Tabletop Gaming at WVM
2026-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Try historical military tabletop games and learn about the history behind the game play.

We will be playing “Wunderwaffen” a multi-player strategy game set at the end of World War II with the Allies racing toward Berlin, while Germany tries to resist and develop new “wonder weapons.”
We will have at least two tables of four people each, but can expand based on the number of reservations. Suitable for ages 12+.
Please register here to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

Celebrating AMERICA250: Independence Day on the Capitol Square
2026-07-04 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (Full Schedule Below)
Location: Wisconsin State Capitol & the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, WI
Cost: Free and open to the public
Event Overview:
Join fellow Wisconsinites on the historic grounds of the State Capitol for a once-in-a-generation Independence Day celebration! As part of the nationwide AMERICA250 Semiquincentennial initiative, the Wisconsin America250 Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) are proud to co-sponsor a majestic day of music and community pride.
Brought to you in partnership with the Capitol City Band Association, this milestone event brings history to life right in the heart of Madison. Come honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding with music and inspiring stories of your family, friends, and neighbors who served.
Schedule of Events:
Patriotic Concert – Tribute to the Troops: Then and Now
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds (King Street Walkway)
The Music: Enjoy a musical performance by the Capitol City Band, led by conductors Dave Pedracine and Zach Masa-Myers, that will fill the Square with a powerful selection of patriotic standards, stirring Sousa marches, and timeless American compositions.
The Salute: At the heart of the concert is a deeply moving musical and narrative salute to America’s armed forces – “Tribute to the Troops: Then and Now.”
The Colors: Bear witness to a proud military tradition featuring a formal presentation of the colors by the VFW Post 7591 Black Knights Color Guard and Auxiliary.

Special Gallery Tours
1:30 PM & 3:30 PM or self-guided (doors open at 10:00 AM)

Location: Wisconsin Veterans Museum (30 W. Mifflin St., where State Street and the Square meet)
The Tour: Enduring Service: 125 Years of Veteran Stories
The Experience: On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff are giving special gallery tours to share amazing stories of Wisconsin veterans from the past 125 years. Join us for stories of the behind-the-scenes jobs needed to keep the military moving, Wisconsin women who were the first in their ranks or in their endeavors in the military, and WWI women and men surviving the results of the trenches. Guided tours will be given at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm or come in anytime to go at your own pace. All ages welcome.
For more information click here.

Attendee Details & What to Bring

Seating for the Concert: The morning performance is an open-air, lawn-style event. Attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for comfort.
Museum Admission: Admission to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the special Enduring Service gallery tours are always free.
Inclement Weather: In the event of severe weather, the morning concert will move into the Capitol Rotunda. Afternoon museum tours will take place indoors rain or shine.

Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday on the Square, where Wisconsin’s gratitude meets our nation’s history.

Enduring Service: 125 Years of Veteran Stories
2026-07-04 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff are giving special gallery tours to share amazing stories of Wisconsin veterans from the past 125 years. Join us for stories of the behind-the-scenes- jobs needed to keep the military moving, Wisconsin women who were the first in their ranks or endeavors in the military, and WWI women and men surviving the results of the trenches.
Guided tours will be given at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, or come in anytime to go at your own pace. All ages welcome.

Sharing the Spirit of America: A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2026-07-08 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda, Madison, WI
Sharing the Spirit of America:
A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Just as the Declaration of Independence was read to the people on July 8, 1776, now, 250-years later, Americans in all 50 States and 16 Territories of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’. The Declaration will be read simultaneously at state capitols, city halls, county and municipal buildings, schools, libraries, community centers, parks, and other public places of gathering across the nation.
Join the Wisconsin America250 Commission and WDVA in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda where the Badger State will celebrate this historic milestone with a reading of Declaration of Independence at 5 p.m. CDT.
Can’t make it to the Capitol?
Find a Reading Near You:
View A Map of Locations
Host Your Own Reading:
Download a Copy of the Declaration of Independence
Share Your Reading Location
Special thanks to the Hawaii America250 Commission for organizing this nation!

22nd Annual WVMF Golf Outing, Sponsored by Mole Lake Casino, Lodge & Event Center and U.S. Vet General Contracting LLC
2026-07-13 09:00 - 17:30 UTC | The Oaks Golf Course, 4740 Pierceville Rd, Cottage Grove, WI, 53527
The 22nd Annual Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation Golf Outing, sponsored by Mole Lake Casino, Lodge & Event Center and U.S. Vet General Contracting LLC is scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2026. 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 gift, 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 SOLD OUT!

Thank you to our current 2026 sponsors!
Major Event Sponsors:

Additional Sponsors

Individual & Hero Sponsors:
Alan & Lisa Kromanaker
Cheryl Heiliger
Denny & Joan Behr
Drilling Family
Fred & Ginny McCormick
In Loving Memory of COL Donald L. Heiliger, USAF
Madison History Roundtable

*We are still seeking sponsorships!*
To learn more about our sponsor packages, click here.

Book Club Tour - The Coldest Winter by David Halberstam
2026-07-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join the staff in the museum galleries for our new book club. This month’s selection is The Coldest Winter by David Halberstam. This monthly book club meet in the galleries and discuss the selected work that focuses on military history. At each meeting you will traverse the galleries with a staff member as your guide who will explain the context of the readings and show you how “Wisconsin Was There.”
This event is free and open to the public. Please register in advance here.

Tabletop Gaming at WVM
2026-07-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Try historical military tabletop games and learn about the history behind the game play.

We will be playing Heimlich & Co., an interesting yet complex spy game where everyone at the table is spying on each other. The goal of the game is to figure out which spies belong to which player. The player who correctly assigns spies to players wins.
We will have at least one table of two-seven people, but can expand based on the number of reservations. Gameplay time is 30 minutes, so we will run more than one round. Suitable for ages 8+.
Please register here to reserve a spot but we will take walk-ins though space is limited.

Movie Discussion Night – They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
2026-07-31 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Online, 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. This is an online event. We will discuss the 2018 documentary film, They Shall Not Grow Old, directed and produced by Peter Jackson. It was created using footage of the First World War held by the British Imperial War Museum.
Please register here.
**ATTENTION: please use the following password to register for the event: Pr!vate
Due to an influx of spam registrations, we have had to lock down the event with a password.

Age Appropriate: This film may not be suitable for all ages as it depicts battle sequences, mild language, and alcohol and tobacco depictions.

Mess Night at the Museum
2026-08-06 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Mess Night with Doug Bradley
Please join us as we celebrate the release of Doug Bradley’s latest book, The Tracks of My Years. Bradley, an esteemed author, educator, and Vietnam veteran, will share insights from his new music-based memoir, highlighting the role of music in his life. The event features live music by Sean Michael Dargan.
Please register in advance here:
$50 MEMBERS | $58 NON-MEMBERS
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 2026 Mess Night Series Sponsor Generac Power Systems.

WVM Movie Tours - Behind the Lens: They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
2026-08-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Are you curious about how accurately Hollywood portrays historical events? Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum as we delve into these topics through in-person tours that focus on a specific film and period of history (with a Wisconsin angle, of course). These tours are free to the public, but registration is required. We will discuss the 2018 documentary film, They Shall Not Grow Old, directed and produced by Peter Jackson. It was created using footage of the First World War held by the British Imperial War Museum.
These tours free and open to the public, and are appropriate for all ages. Please register here.

USS WISCONSIN DAY
2026-08-27 09:15 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us for an event to include a reading of Governor Evers’ proclamation of August 27 as USS Wisconsin Day in recognition of the boat’s hull number, 827. USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) Association officials will be present to answer questions. On view in the museum gallery will be a casting from torpedo tube the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) and images relating to the boat’s construction. SSBN 827 is the third U.S. Navy vessel to be named after the state of Wisconsin.

Movie Screening: My Vietnam, Your Iraq
2026-08-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us for a free, in-person screening at the museum.
A generational story of war, service, and the families who carry the legacy. My Vietnam Your Iraq connects the stories of eight Vietnam veterans with the experiences of their own children who later deployed to serve in the Iraq War. Shying away from political debate, this deeply personal documentary explores the unique complexities of familial military service, generational trauma, and the silent understandings shared between combat veterans across different eras. Written and produced by Ron Osgood.
Seating is limited. REGISTER HERE

Tabletop Gaming at WVM
2026-08-30 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Try historical military tabletop games and learn about the history behind the game play.

We will be playing Heimlich & Co., An interesting yet complex spy game where everyone at the table is spying on each other.
We will set up based on the number of reservations. Suitable for ages 8+.
Please register here to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

Virtual Movie Night Discussion – The Final Countdown (1980)
2026-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, 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.
Register here.
Age Appropriateness: This film may not be suitable for all ages as it depicts severe combat violence, strong language, and smoking.

Book Club Tour - Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming
2026-09-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join the museum staff on a gallery tour focusing on themes in the book “Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming.” The book is the story of a soldier’s homecoming written to illuminate the pitfalls that trap many veterans on the road back to civilian life and is written by Jonathan Shay, with the forward by John McCain and Senator Max Cleland.
The event is free, but please register in advance here:

Tabletop Gaming at WVM
2026-09-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Try historical military tabletop games and learn about the history behind the game play.

We will be playing The Hunt (2023) in which one player assumes the leadership of the British Royal Navy, while the other player represents the German Kriegsmarin during World War II.
We will set up based on the number of reservations. Suitable for ages 12+.
Please register here to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

Candlelit Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours
2026-10-03 17:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI, 53705, United States
These 90-minute tours feature four vignettes that highlight the contributions of Wisconsinites who embodied and advanced the ideals that sparked that fight for independence. Come and hear about our ties to the American Revolution, learn about the lasting impact of Wisconsin’s service members and families, and discover advances in science and technology pioneered by our state’s citizenry. Buy your tickets here.

Daytime Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours
2026-10-04 12:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI, 53705, United States

WVM Movie Tours: Behind the Lens: The Final Countdown
2026-10-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Do you like historical films? Are you curious about how accurately Hollywood portrays historical events? Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum as we delve into these topics through in-person tours that focus on a specific film and period of history (with a Wisconsin angle, of course).
These tours are free to the public, but registration is required. Do so here.

Convoy Speaker Series: Checkpoint Camp Randall
2026-10-17 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Camp Randall, 1440 Monroe St, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
Honoring Service. Inspiring Community.
This year’s Convoy will celebrate the Wisconsin Veterans Museum’s 125th Anniversary while recognizing America’s 250th birthday. Together, we will honor Wisconsin veterans, share their stories and reflect on the rich military history that began at Camp Randall, one of the North’s largest Civil War training grounds.
📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
📍 Camp Randall Stadium – Madison, WI
Featuring Keynote Speaker
Professor John W. Hall
In partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the event will feature a keynote address by Professor John W. Hall, Ambrose-Hesseltine Professor of Military History at UW-Madison, West Point graduate, former Army officer, and former Lead Historian at the Pentagon.
Event Schedule

10:00 AM– VIP reception
11:45 AM– Lunch Service
1:00 PM– Keynote Address by Professor John W. Hall

An expected 200 guests will attend, including veterans, community leaders, military officers, and business professionals.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
🎟️ VIP tickets $125/person | 🎟️ General tickets $75/person

VIP guests get extra perks: 10 am
reception featuring open bar drinks and appetizers, photo
opportunities with Bucky Badger and Civil War reenactors,
and a unique augmented reality experience
All guests will enjoy lunch at 11:45 am followed by the
keynote presentation at 1 pm.

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. To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities visit here.
⭐ A big thank you to our current 2026 event sponsors!

Four-Star Sponsors: Mark & Carol Cullen
Three-Star Sponsors: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Two-Star Sponsors: Edgewood University Department of Military & Veterans Services, MIG Commercial Real Estate, LLC, Park Bank
One-Star Sponsors: Captain Mary M. Kolar, USN (Ret) and Mr. Scott Kolar, Pearson Engineering, Wisconsin Capital Management

Mess Night at Museum
2026-11-19 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Please join us for our quarterly Mess Night dinner series with guest speaker Joseph Yorio. Drawing on his experience as an Army Ranger, Green Beret, paramilitary contractor, and global business executive, Joseph M. Yorio reveals that fearlessness is not the absence of fear: it is the discipline to act despite it. From combat zones in Central America, Africa, and the Middle East to boardrooms and Washington, D.C., he explores how decisive action, learning from failure, and relentless evolution overcome adversity and deliver results. This inspiring keynote challenges veterans and civilians to confront difficult problems, lead without waiting for permission, and build a legacy of courage, purpose, and action.
Each Mess Night 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.
$50 MEMBERS | $58 NON-MEMBERS
Purchase tickets here.
Event sponsored by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation through the generous support of our 2026 Mess Night Series Sponsor Generac Power Systems.

Virtual Movie Night Discussion – MacArthur (1977)
2026-11-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, 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.
Please register here.
Age Appropriateness: This film may not be suitable for all ages as it depicts combat
violence, mild language, and smoking.

Book Club Tour - Soul Patrol: The Riveting True Story of the First African American LRRP Team in Vietnam
2026-11-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join the museum staff on a gallery tour focusing on themes in the book Soul Patrol: The Riveting True Story of the First African American LRRP Team in Vietnam written by Ed Emanuel. Stark and compelling, Emanuel’s account provides an unforgettable look at the horror and the heroism that became the daily fare of long-range reconnaissance patrols (LLRP) in Vietnam.
The event is free, but please register in advance here.

WVM Movie Tours: Behind the Lens: MacArthur
2026-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States

Book Club Tour - The Coming Storm Power, Conflict and Warnings from History
2027-01-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join the museum staff on a gallery tour focusing on themes in the book The Coming Storm Power, Conflict and Warnings from History by Odd Arne Westad. Written by a renowned Yale historian, this book offers a chilling look at the looming threat of the next Great Power war and the urgent interventions necessary to avoid it in the 21st century.
The event is free, but please register in advance here.

Virtual Movie Night Discussion – Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989)
2027-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States

WVM Movie Tours: Behind the Lens: Siege of Firebase Gloria
2027-02-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States

Book Club Tour - Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory
2027-03-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join the museum staff on a gallery tour focusing on themes in the book Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory by David W. Blight. The work offers a sweeping narrative of triumph and tragedy, romance and realism, is a compelling tale of the politics of memory, of how a nation healed from civil war without justice.
The event is free, but please register in advance here.

Book Club Tour - Deterring Armageddon: A Biography of NATO
2027-05-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join the museum staff on a gallery tour focusing on themes in the book Deterring Armageddon: A Biography of NATO: the “astonishingly fine history” of the world’s most successful military alliance by Peter Apps. The book covers the history of the world’s most successful military alliance, from the wrecked Europe of 1945 to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The event is free, but please register in advance.
