Wisconsin Connections to the American Revolution
While Wisconsin did not become a territory until 1836 and a state until 1848, its ties to the American Revolution go far deeper than may be apparent. Many will think of the 250th anniversary of our independence as something that happens in the original thirteen colonies but those who made
The Story of Millie and Clarence
Separated by war, their loving commitment endured after Clarence was taken prisoner by German troops. Twenty-one-year-old Clarence Beltmann of Milwaukee enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1942, one of the tens of thousands of young men caught in the swell of patriotism that followed the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Roses of No Man’s Land – Base Hospital 22
At the Outbreak of War: Army Nursing Corps During World War I, the entire nation was mobilized for service. As in the Civil War and other previous conflicts, women answered the call by volunteering as nurses. This exhibit concerns itself with two people and one unit with Wisconsin ties. Helen Bulovsky
Old Abe Wisconsin’s War Eagle
Old Abe, an icon in Wisconsin Civil War history was an American bald eagle who served with the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He participated in over 30 battles, narrowly avoiding wounds on several occasions. During the war, he became a rallying point to Union troops and an anathema to
Remembering the USS Cole (DDG 67) 20th Anniversary
USS Cole Remembrance Ceremony Pierside Ceremony and Wreath Dedication Norfolk, VA Monday, Oct. 12, 2020 beginning at 10:15 am EST Guest Speakers Adm. Christopher W. Grady, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Retired Adm. Robert J. Natter, Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet/Fleet Forces Command Cmdr. Edward Pledger, Commanding officer, USS
What’s It All For? a Reflection on Empathy and Our National Discourse
Written by Kevin Hampton, Curator of History This time of year, with patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, the anniversary of D-Day, Flag Day, Juneteenth, and the 4th of July, there is always a natural focus on the American historical identity. This interest usually comes in the form of a passive
Month of the Military Child: Augustus Patchin and Family
By Russell Horton, Reference & Outreach Archivist The Wisconsin Veterans Museum focuses on preserving the stories of men and women who serve in the US military. But very often, in the letters, photographs, and objects from those veterans, we can learn much of the families and children who remained home,
“These Numbers All Mean Something”
By Russell Horton, Reference & Outreach Archivist “I’ve got documents that I brought out of Korea… just pieces of paper with numbers on them. They are very old. These numbers all mean something.”
Rearguard at Gettysburg
By Kevin Hampton, Curator of History On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, the 7th Wisconsin played a pivotal role as the rear guard of the Union Army during the retreat through the town of Gettysburg. Though the regiment held their position as long as possible along a rail fence
A Son’s Service
More than 122,000 Wisconsin men and women served in the military during World War I, in all branches of service and in hundreds of different units. However, the largest concentration of Wisconsinites served in the 32nd Division, which consisted of the Wisconsin and Michigan National Guards. Much like today, individual