Visit by Live Bald Eagle to be Featured at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on the Capitol Square

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2011 

Visit by Live Bald Eagle to be Featured at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on the Capitol Square

(MADISON) – On Saturday, July 23, 2011, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum will host the visit of a live bald eagle from the National Eagle Center at the Museum program “Eagles on the Square.”

One of Madison’s famous residents, born 150 years ago, “Old Abe the War Eagle,” was named the official mascot of the 8th Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Old Abe’s service on and off the battlefield throughout the Civil War earned him an emblem of valor. To help commemorate this historic bird and the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is hosting this epic event so that participants can learn more about the life of Old Abe, as well as discover eagles and their habitats.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. outside the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, the Executive Director of the National Eagle Center Jeff Worrell will welcome guests, and introduce Angel, a female bald eagle. Participants will have the opportunity to pet the eagle and get their picture taken with her. There will be various presentations throughout the day, with the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest playing Civil War patriotic music. In addition, children will be able to make Old Abe puppets, among other activities.

Inside the Museum’s new From Paper to Iron exhibit gallery, participants can enjoy the Letters from the Front: Civil War Museum Theater. The stories of Private John Corey and Lieutenant George Haw will be read through the dramatic reading of letters and diary entries by local actors and actresses. The letters of Civil War soldiers remain as an indelible reminder of the tragedy and triumph of the war and an excellent source for learning the true story of the war. These letters highlight interpersonal relationships between soldiers and their sweethearts, the righteousness of the war effort, the bravery of Wisconsin’s fighting men, and the fear of not returning home to their loved ones. The readings will take place every hour starting at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information on this presentation, or to schedule an interview, contact Jennifer Kaye at (608) 264-7663 or jennifer.kaye@dva.state.wi.us. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a free public educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and is located at 30 W. Mifflin St., across the street from the State Capitol. For more information go to www.WisVetsMuseum.com.

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201 West Washington Avenue | Madison, Wisconsin 53707
1-800-WIS-VETS | WisVets@dva.wisconsin.gov | WisVets.com