FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2011

From Paper To Iron: Wisconsin Joins the Civil War New Exhibit Opening at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

(MADISON) ― The Wisconsin Veterans Museum will open From Paper to Iron: Wisconsin Joins the Civil War on Saturday, July 2, 2011. An exhibit to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, From Paper to Iron will display never before seen Civil War artifacts from the Museum’s collection. All media are invited to attend an open house on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. to interview and meet the curator of the exhibit, Jeff Kollath. The exhibit will remain on display until September 30, 2012.

For Wisconsin, the Civil War began in April 1861 with a single piece of PAPER, a declaration of war from Governor Alexander Randall that assured his state would protect and defend the Union until its last breath. By the end of 1862, Governor Randall’s promise manifested itself on the battlefield, as Wisconsin soldiers that began in gray militia coats and hand-me-downs now stood proud in blue frock coats and forage caps, while some, outfitted in iconic black army hats, became the most feared fighting force in the Union Army. In just over eighteen months, the men of Wisconsin – farmers, laborers, teachers, and merchants – entrusted with destroying Confederate forces and preserving the Union, were no longer just flesh and blood. They were IRON – strong, unflappable, and soon to be unstoppable. This exhibit is their story, how Wisconsin’s soldiers trained for, fought in, and eventually won the Civil War, from PAPER TO IRON.

For more information on the exhibit, contact Jeff Kollath, Curator of Programs and Exhibitions, at (608) 261-0541 or email jeffrey.kollath@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 Street, 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